Plastics Bearings Maker to Expand UK Capacity

Plastics Bearings Maker to Expand UK Capacity Expansion is a direct result of rapid growth over several years and predicted customer demand for the future. In order to meet growing customer demand for its products, BNL (UK) has initiated a plan to expand production capacity and recruit qualified staff, to its existing skilled workforce at its site in Knaresborough, UK. BNL, a leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic bearing assemblies and technical moulding solutions, says that this expansion is a direct result of rapid growth over several years and predicted customer demand for the future. The company has already seen a 15% increase in production capacity and a 7% increase in its workforce in 2007. John Nichols, Chief Operating Officer for BNL, says that sustained investment is necessary to maintain company-customer relationships throughout the busy expansion period: 'It is important that BNL concentrates on continuing to offer the additional service and support which has always set it apart, ensuring we are able to maintain that attribute as the company continues to grow'. Anticipating rising demand from customers, BNL began expanding its production capacity through the purchase of three new precision moulding machines from Engel and Krauss Maffei. Additional resources have also been gained through BNL's acquisition of Cobb Slater in April 2007.BNL now boasts a total of 32 injection-moulding machines - a 15% increase from just one year ago. Enhanced process capabilities allow BNL's in-house design team to undertake more challenging designs, plus features such as full process monitoring and automated reject systems achieve consistently high quality levels. To further ensure quality and efficiency for customers, BNL have invested in a new automated assembly cell, including features such as defect recognition, weight and spin check. As BNL expects this rising demand to continue into the future, plans are being put in place to facilitate expansion on a long-term basis. The company will look to add more precision production equipment and invest in qualified, skilled staff.Intensified demand means that BNL has and will continue to add skilled staff to its workforce. Re-organisation of the supply chain structure has already resulted in the hire of additional, qualified staff to planning, tooling and production.It is expected that the number of employees at BNL will have increased by 10% or more by April 2008. BNL plans to develop recurrent recruitment, apprenticeships and graduate schemes to sustain a highly skilled staff at all times.