RUNCORN, U.K.—Fluoropolymer coating manufacturer Whitford has moved its U.K. location to a larger facility nearby to accommodate recent growth as well as continued expansion. The new space is 78,000 square feet, double that of the old one.
The new building now has 70 percent more manufacturing space, which allows for improved efficiency, the company said, influenced by lean manufacturing and a Kaizen culture, the movement that promotes operational excellence. There is also 90 percent more laboratory space than at the former location, with new state-of-the-art equipment in the laboratory and quality-control areas. Updated stock-control systems have been developed to meet customer delivery expectations, and the office area has also doubled, the company said.
“With the additional space and new systems we have in place, our efficiency should increase significantly,” said Martin Garnett, managing director of Whitford Ltd. “It’s a great step forward for us.”
Dave Willis, founder and president of Whitford, added, “The new facility reflects the good work Whitford Ltd. has done and continues to do. Here’s to more of the same.”