In a significant move to bolster its manufacturing capabilities, Automated Handling Solutions/Advanced Material Processing (AHS & AMP) has launched an advanced 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Darwen, Lancashire. The inauguration was graced by Mayor Brian Taylor of Blackburn with Darwen and attended by company leaders, customers, and suppliers, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion.
Enhanced Manufacturing Capacity
Substantial Upgrade from Previous Site
The new Darwen facility represents a substantial upgrade from AHS & AMP’s former manufacturing site in Clitheroe. It now accounts for a significant 25% of the company’s global manufacturing capacity, underscoring AHS & AMP’s strategic focus on growth and expanding its international reach. With this newfound capacity, the company plans to significantly enhance its production capabilities and ensure a more robust presence in the global market.
The expansion is not merely about more space; it is about the optimal use of this space to improve all facets of manufacturing. The facility boasts dedicated build bays, ample storage, and improved quality control areas. These enhancements are designed to streamline operations across AHS & AMP’s four key brands: Spiroflow, Cablevey, Marion, and Kason. By minimizing constraints often faced by engineers in older, less optimized facilities, AHS & AMP aims to boost efficiency and reduce lead times, benefiting both customers and employees.
Operational Efficiency
Streamlined Processes and Lean Manufacturing
One of the standout features of the new facility is its emphasis on operational efficiency and lean manufacturing practices. Lean manufacturing focuses on minimizing waste without sacrificing productivity, and this facility is designed to adhere to these principles rigorously. By optimizing the workflow and layout, AHS & AMP aims to reduce unnecessary steps in production, thereby speeding up processes and ensuring timely delivery of products.
Enhanced operational efficiency translates to better lead times, meaning customers can expect quicker turnaround times for their orders. This is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and meeting the ever-growing demands of the market. Additionally, the facility incorporates advanced safety measures, creating a safer working environment for engineers. This focus on worker safety and well-being is integral to AHS & AMP’s operational strategy and underscores their commitment to their employees.
Advanced Production Capabilities
Improved Quality and Pre-Assembly Areas
The new facility’s design includes improved quality control areas that ensure high standards are maintained throughout the manufacturing process. With dedicated spaces for testing and quality assurance, any issues can be detected and rectified early, guaranteeing that only products meeting stringent criteria reach the customers. This aligns with AHS & AMP’s reputation for reliability and excellence, further solidifying its position in the market.
Pre-assembly areas are another critical addition, designed to ease constraints for engineers during the build process. By allowing certain components to be pre-assembled, engineers can work more efficiently and focus on critical tasks that require specialized skills. This not only speeds up the production process but also enhances the overall quality of the final products. The facility’s layout supports a seamless workflow, ensuring that each stage of production is carried out with maximum efficiency and minimum disruption.
Customer Engagement and Experience
Interactive Test Bay for Equipment Demonstrations
An innovative feature of the Darwen facility is its 10,000 sq ft test bay, designed to boost customer engagement. Here, customers can witness firsthand the equipment in action, gaining a deeper understanding of the products’ capabilities and functionalities. This transparency builds trust and confidence, allowing customers to make more informed decisions based on live demonstrations rather than just specifications on paper.
In addition to product demonstrations, the test bay offers an interactive experience that fosters a closer relationship between AHS & AMP and its customers. This engagement is crucial for customizing solutions to meet specific customer needs, offering tailored experiences that set AHS & AMP apart from competitors. The facility also includes modern amenities for employees, ensuring they have a conducive working environment that promotes productivity and job satisfaction.
Logistical and Sustainability Advantages
Strategic Location and Recruitment Opportunities
The Darwen facility’s strategic location near key transport links provides significant logistical advantages. Efficient supply chain and distribution processes are crucial for maintaining a smooth operational flow and meeting customer demands promptly. The site’s proximity to major transport routes facilitates quicker and more reliable delivery of products, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
Moreover, the new facility’s larger space opens up numerous recruitment opportunities in the region. By creating more jobs, AHS & AMP is contributing to the local economy and attracting skilled professionals who can drive the company’s innovative efforts forward. This focus on local recruitment not only benefits the company but also fosters community growth and development, reaffirming AHS & AMP’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Commitment to Sustainability
Automated Handling Solutions/Advanced Material Processing (AHS & AMP) has made a significant stride in enhancing its manufacturing capabilities by opening a state-of-the-art 60,000 square foot facility in Darwen, Lancashire. This new plant symbolizes a crucial phase in the company’s steady growth and expansion. The inauguration ceremony was distinguished by the presence of Mayor Brian Taylor of Blackburn with Darwen, who cut the ribbon alongside prominent company executives, loyal customers, and dedicated suppliers.
This advanced facility is expected to streamline manufacturing processes, improve operational efficiency, and boost the company’s capacity to meet the growing demand for its products and services. The investment in such an expansive and modern site reflects AHS & AMP’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The facility will also likely create numerous job opportunities in the local community, further embedding the company within the regional economy. This strategic move not only underscores AHS & AMP’s leadership in the industry but also positions it for continued success and competitiveness on a global scale.
