Success feeds plant growth for manufacturing firm

16th April 2012

A metalwork manufacturing business in Nelson has increased its output by purchasing a new storage unit after receiving financial support from Yorkshire Bank.

Pendle Engineering has acquired Unit 2 at Pendle Industrial Estate, taking the company’s total factory space to 63,000 sq ft.

The purchase comes on the back of a 15% sales increase in the firm’s office furniture manufacturing division, taking turnover in 2011 to more than £3.5 million for the very first time.

The new unit adds to Pendle Engineering’s portfolio of factories on the industrial estate, already owning units 3, 4, 5 and 6. Unit 2 will be used as a storage facility, allowing increased space to manufacture in the other units.

Eddie Smith, managing director of family-run Pendle Engineering, said: “We’ve been in the local area since we started in 1977, so it’s great news to be expanding once again; showing our commitment to manufacturing in East Lancashire.

“We’ve grown thanks to our willingness to invest in the most effective manufacturing machinery and facilities in the industry to make sure our customers receive the best in design and build quality. Yorkshire Bank has supported us all the way, and we look forward to many more years of growth together.”

In the past year, the business has also increased the size of its workforce to  60 people, up from 50 at the end of 2010, and has further plans to recruit in 2012.

John Reeves, business partner at Yorkshire Bank’s Blackburn Financial Solutions Centre, said: “Manufacturing remains a key part of East Lancashire’s success, and businesses such as Pendle Engineering are the reason why.

“The business works with everyone from bike enthusiasts to the biggest furniture distributors and has a highly-regarded name in the industry. The new unit means they can increase manufacturing output, helping to service this increased demand.”

Pendle Engineering uses laser cutting, bending, welding, machining and powder coating to manufacture a variety of products, from office furniture to computer accessories, such as laptop stands. Office furniture is its biggest division, with more than 2,000 office chair frames made each week.

The business also designs, manufactures and sells bike racks under the Pendle Bike Racks brand, distributing them to thousands of retailers and consumers across the world.