Investment for 600 UK Manufacturing
The 600 Group has unveiled details of its recent investment in its main UK manufacturing site at Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire.
The investment covers the consolidation of three businesses, 600 Lathes, 600 Centre and Pratt Burnerd International (PBI) into the Heckmondwike site, as well as the streamlining of the factory’s workflow and new manufacturing equipment.
Consolidation of these three businesses eliminates duplication, pools resources under one roof and creates greatly improved manufacturing efficiencies. It also removes the need for machined parts to be transported from one location to another.
The investment in the redesign of the workflow will ensure maximum efficiency employing the very latest ideas in lean manufacturing.
Investment made in new equipment will allow the Group to manufacture, in-house, around £5m of spares, accessories and components, including chucks, which were previously subcontracted overseas. This is an important element to the recently announced restructuring as it ensures greater control over quality, improves lead times and gives greater demand flexibility, enabling the Group to deliver better customer focused products.
Mike Berry, General Manager 600 UK, said: “These changes will give us greater control over the quality of the products which is essential to our brands. It also gives us greater manufacturing flexibility, which in turn gives us a competitive advantage in the market.”
600 Centre, which was previously the shop front for 600 Group products, has now been relocated to the Heckmondwike site, as have the sales and service functions. Moving these departments to one site has significantly increased the effectiveness of customer service for all major product groups.
David Norman, CEO, The 600 Group plc, said: “We are the UK’s leading machine tool group and we are pleased to have one of the largest machined parts operations of this type in the UK. Our capability extends from high precision chucks to the latest Multi-axis CNC turning equipment.
“The investment and changes we are making will also allow the Group to react speedily to changes in the wider global economy.”
As previously announced 600 Group is hosting the 600 UK Openhouse event between November 10th and 12th for customers, international distributors and the trade media at the newly reorganised site. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Philip Cullen, Marketing Manager on 01924 415000, or alternatively send an email to mail@600uk.com
For further information, contact:
Mike Berry, (General Manager - 600 UK)
Tel: +44 (0)1924 415000
www.600uk.com
Keeley Clarke (Rawlings Financial)
Tel +44 (0)1653 618016
