New £2 mill specialist welding machine will cut scrap waste by two thirds vows manufacturer
12 Aug 2021
Brighouse-based Siddall and Hilton has hailed the launch of its new £2 million specialist welding machine will provide a competitive and environmental edge, reducing its process scrap waste by some 70%.
Running more than 40% faster than any of the company’s existing machines and producing up to 70% less process scrap, it will increase capacity and efficiency at the business which manufactures welded steel mesh for high-security fencing, general fencing and industrial mesh panels.
The new LGR102 welding machine, manufactured by EVG in Graz, Austria employs the latest medium frequency welding technology and will focus on the production of industrial mesh, freeing up capacity on the other machines.
Hailed as the firm’s most significant investment for 12 years , it was funded by the business’s primary lenders, ABN AMRO, supported by £100,000 of grant funding from Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP).
Guests at the official launch included newly-elected Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and NP11, plus Andy Pascoe, relationship director at ABN AMRO Lease, joined Ian Thurley and the team on site in Foundry Street to see the new machine in action.
Chief executive Ian Thurley commented: “This latest investment marks a major milestone in our world class journey as we continue to invest not only in the best machinery on the market, but also in building our workforce and developing our people to ensure we have the best skilled team for the future.”
With the new machine running over 40% faster than any of the company’s existing machines, the productivity benefits have contributed to an expansion in staffing. It has already added a further nine trainee mesh operators, including two apprentices to its 59-strong team. The 126-year-old company is now seeking another three recruits.
Dating back to 1895, Siddall and Hilton processes over 1,500 tonnes of wire a month and now employs 59 people. Following an MBO in August 2019, the management team, led by Ian Thurley, has undertaken a programme of operational improvements and the company is seeing sustained growth.
Photo: Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin with Charlotte Peterson, customer relations manager at Siddall & Hilton Products
