A County Durham plastics business is combating its battle with rising costs by investing in a more efficient machine.
Plastic Mouldings Northern (PMN) has acquired the new industrial thermoforming machinery, which will enable the firm to manufacture products quicker and more cost-effectively.
Bosses say the new Thermoformer will help PMN maintain its competitive rates for customers and build on its growing worldwide client base.
Production director Mark Rigg – pictured above (left) with team leader Andrew Stanley – installed the Cannon Shelley machine, which can mould 1m x 1.5m parts, at PMN’s premises on South Church Enterprise Park in Bishop Auckland.
The new machine can be used and adapted to accommodate a range of domestic and industrial parts for refrigerator liners, bath tubs and shower trays, interior and exterior automotive parts, fuel tanks and panels for special vehicles.
The new kit complements PMN’s existing facilities which include two Gueiss moulding machines, a Formech moulding machine and two state-of-the-art five-axis CNC milling machines.
“We’re getting more larger jobs to manufacture, so we wanted to expand to increase our capacity,” said Rigg.
“We’re facing the same challenges as many manufacturing businesses, but it’s too easy to just put your prices up and blame increased costs.
“This machine will allow us to keep our prices at the same level, and is part of our continued investment programme to remain competitive in the industry.
“It will also give us more flexibility and respond quicker to customers’ demands. Lead times are getting shorter and shorter within the industry, and customers are expecting quicker deliveries.
“We are always customising our machines to give us as much flexibility as possible whatever the job, ensuring efficiency of product solutions to specific customer requirements.”
PMN supplies DIY chains including Homebase, B&Q and Wickes, and it also manufactures parts for the automotive industry, with clients including Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB and Rolls Royce.
The company has also built up an industry reputation for supplying Jouplast adjustable risers, which ensure decking and paving slabs sit even, having previously gained an exclusivity agreement to distribute the equipment across Britain.
The company, formed by Mark Rigg and sales director Freddy Bourdais with two staff in 2002, celebrated 15 years in business in 2017 with a record turnover, as sales grew 10% to £2.3m and staff numbers rose to 20.
PMN aims to grow even more by doubling staff numbers and turnover with a new £1m expansion, creating a new 12,000 sq ft operation close to its existing premises.
More details about Plastic Mouldings Northern can be found at plasticmouldingsnorthern.co.uk, or you can give the team a call on 01388 777 700.