Platinum Stairlifts plans new production facility to double its output and boost profits
Yorkshire-based Platinum Stairlifts has stated that it is embarking on a multi-million-pound project that will double its production efforts and improve its turnaround time for customers.
In Platinum Stairlifts’ 25th year, the British stairlift manufacturer has stated that it will be consolidating its existing production sites and will open a brand new, state of the art, custom-built facility at Foundry Park in Keighley, West Yorkshire, in early 2022, allowing it to significantly increase production capacity and improve processes.
Chief Financial Officer, Marcus Green, explains: “The project has been designed by MA Design & Planning of Bingley and construction will be managed by Gardiner & Theobold, overseen by HB Projects as the principle contractor and will provide a huge 58,000 square feet of production facility over two floors.
“With brand new machinery, many process efficiencies, ability to hold further stocks and the capacity to add hours on the production line, we will be able to more than double our output, improve turnaround times for customers and thus profitability for the group.
“We are therefore working on an extensive recruitment drive, with the help of local agencies and colleges to recruit enthusiastic trainees and professionals who are looking for a stable, skilled careers in the local area. This is a fantastic opportunity and we are delighted to get the development underway.”
Chief Executive Officer, Clive Briscoe, says: “We worked closely with colleagues to understand what they wanted from the new facilities.
“As a result, the site will accommodate 90 much needed car parking spaces, secure bike parking, shower and canteen facilities.
“The site is within easy walking distance of Keighley’s public transport and ‘A‘ road links and should therefore make us more accessible as an employer.
“Environmentally friendly design aspects have been considered and incorporated from the outset.
“With a circular heating system installed using the heat produced by the welding machines re-used to heat the building.
“Solar panels will be included in the design and finally, a waste compaction system and recycling facility. It’s important to get these aspects included from the outset, making our operations environmentally sound and future proof.”
With construction already underway the site is scheduled to open in early 2022, with a transition from the other sites and new starters staggered over 2022.
Platinum Stairlifts has stated that it plans keep its head office at Crosshills Business Park with renovations planned for this building also, incorporating executive offices and a customer showroom.
The news coincides with the company celebrating 25 years in the industry this year. Founded in 1996 in Keighley, West Yorkshire, the company now employs over 200 colleagues and ships over 10,000 stairlifts to a global network of partners each year.