Large investment paves way for European expansion
Jan 08
A capital investment of more than half million pounds in new manufacturing equipment is a sign of confidence in the European vehicle conversion market, according to Telford-based Ingimex.
Ingimex, which currently produces around 3,000 bodies a year in the 3.5 tonne chassis class, is investing nearly three quarters of a million pounds in a new turret punch press, with an additional spend of £35,000 on automated punching equipment, to improve manufacturing processes at its purpose-built factory.
Justin Gallen, managing director, said: “With our sights set on the European market, our long-range strategy is to bring manufacturing processes in-house: given the trend for out-sourcing in many other industry and service sectors, this might seem counter-intuitive but, for example, it means we can speed up product development time. Sample parts, that have taken weeks to produce, can now be turned around in a day. More crucially, it means we have control over product quality and continuity of supply – an aspect of our business where we aim for outstanding performance. The net result is that we can bring new products to market more quickly than before, without compromising our reputation for exceptional standards in design, function and finish.”
With turret punch capacity to handle sheet sizes of up to four metres, Ingimex is no longer reliant on external suppliers for this vital manufacturing process. In addition, the manufacturer has invested £35,000 in automated punching equipment, bringing in new and refurbishing existing equipment to more than double capacity. This will improve the speed of set up and running efficiency, a valuable advantage in terms of manufacturing time. Parts purchasing, which has proved difficult to outsource, is also being brought in-house to improve reliability and quality control.
Justin Gallen added: “Manufacturing process improvement cuts through everything we do so we are constantly looking for new and improved ways of working. For example, the entire manufacturing area has been re-arranged to allow for optimum flow through the factory. Ongoing training and development means we have a very flexible workforce and, as a business, we’re very positive about change. We enter the European market with a strong manufacturing offer, a desire for continuous improvement and a flexible customer service to match.”
Come & see for yourself the Ingimex difference.