BNL Announces Expansion of Production Capacity
In order to meet growing customer demand for its products, BNL (UK) Limited has initiated a plan to expand production capacity and recruit qualified staff, to its existing skilled workforce at its site in Knaresborough, UK.
(November 2007; UK) BNL, a leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic bearing assemblies and technical moulding solutions, state 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, said 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”.
Increased Production Capacity
Anticipating rising demand from customers, BNL began expanding their 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 Limited in April 2007. As of this release, 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.
Recruitment Drive
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 anticipated 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.
21 November 2007
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About BNL
BNL (UK) Ltd specialises in the design and manufacture of innovative thermoplastic bearing assemblies and technical moulding solutions. Plastic bearings offer many advantages over the traditional steel bearing, including anti-static properties, low friction and corrosion and chemical resistance. They are lightweight with low inertia and have no requirement for lubrication. BNL’s dedicated in-house design team is able to promote added value through the integration of other features - such as axles, gears, fixing clips, mounting flanges and pulleys - to form fully integrated bearing assemblies that maximise functionality and deliver whole system cost reductions.
For further information regarding this release please contact:
Donna Loughnane
Marketing
BNL (UK) Ltd, Manse Lane, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8LF, UK
T: +44 (0)1423 799208 F: +44 (0)1423 799108