Process equipment specialists scale up for new demand with huge new premises
22 Sep 2020
Two leading process equipment companies have opened massive new manufacturing facilities in order to scale up production capacity.
Industrial automation specialist Sewtec’s multi million pound design and build site (pictured) in Wakefield, West Yorkshire is more than double the size of its seven Dewsbury production locations and head office combined.
Meanwhile, control equipment specialist Oxford Flow has announced the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Oxford – six times the size of its predecessor.
Its state-of-the-art facility is based at Cowley, close to the firm’s headquarters. With a capacity of 6,000 sq. ft, it dwarfs the previous the previous workshop facility, and houses up to 30 employees.
Serving the oil, gas, water and industrial process industries, the larger facility permits the company to maintain its operations with social distancing measures in place.
CEO Neil Poxon, said: “This new facility is the next step in our success story. With increased manufacturing capability we can build and deliver orders more efficiently to offer even higher levels of customer service. As we expand globally, this future proofs the business – enabling us to scale up as and when needed.”
Oxford Flow recently secured a £9.1 million investment to support the company’s expansion across the utility and industrials markets, and oil and gas product development. The company designs pressure reducing valves and gas regulators, which are exceptionally smaller, lighter and more robust that comparative products.
Sewtec’s project received investment from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), via £1 billion Government investment package the Leeds City Region Growth Deal. The company estimates the move will eventually create up to an additional 70 high skilled jobs.
MD Mark Cook, said it will enable the firm, 85% of whose sales consist of exports, to support its expansion strategy.
“The move to our new facility is hugely significant as it provides the launch pad for the continued implementation of our ambitious growth plans,” he commented.
“By moving to this new location, we’ve been able to bring all our people together under one roof in an excellent design and manufacturing environment, increase our capacity and improve our operational efficiencies.