The opening of Filtermist's new distribution centre.
Filtermist International, which is part of the Absolent Group, has taken on a 30,000 sq ft unit just a few minutes’ walk away from its purpose-built headquarters on the T54 Business Park in Telford.
Organic sales growth and an acquisition trail that has seen it purchase the DCS Group of Companies and Kerstar in the last six months, resulted in the decision to create a central facility that would be responsible for the firm’s logistics operation.
This move will enhance stock control and delivery lead times even further, as well as freeing up additional capacity to increase its metal fabrication footprint.
James Stansfield, chief executive of Filtermist International, explained: “Domestic and export orders have increased dramatically over the past five years, as the global demand to create cleaner, safer and more productive workshops that deliver clean air continues to grow.
“With volumes increasing and additional capacity required as a result of some of our acquisitions and us inheriting several key UK product brands, we made the decision to increase our footprint.
“It made sense to do this by consolidating certain manufacturing operations at our current headquarters and centralising assembly and distribution in the new facility next door.”
Mr Stansfield continued: “There has been investment in new equipment and hardware for both Telford sites, including additional welding bays, cranes and a new CNC spinning machine. Our specialists are also exploring the possibility of integrating additional automation into the production process.”
The distribution centre was officially opened by the Manufacturing Technologies Association’s chief execxutive, James Selka, as part of an open house designed to showcase the company’s full product range and celebrate 50 years in business.
Mr Stansfield said: “Telford is the ideal location for this distribution centre thanks to its proximity to the motorway network and better connections for our export markets.
“50 years in business is a great achievement. This is just the start and we have a lot of exciting plans for further investment and the potential for future acquisitions over the next 18 months.”