West Midlands industrial controls and sub-contracting manufacturer, PP Control & Automation, will invest more than £1 million in a new extension that will add 1,000m2 of production space to its site in Cheslyn Hay, including a new logistics department and a clean assembly area.
Building work has begun on the scheme that will give PP further capacity to help achieve its target of doubling its turnover to £40 million in 2021.
Tony Hague, Managing Director, commented: There was a lot of talk about uncertainty holding back industry after the Brexit vote, but we have confidence â in the medium term â that UK manufacturing in general will be strong and the growth plans of ourselves and our customers remain unchanged.
In the short term, with sterling weakening against the euro and the US dollar, we have actually seen growth in export markets as UK competitiveness has improved.
He continued: The additional 1,000 sq metres will be used for additional manufacturing space, a just-in-time logistics operation and new clean assembly area that weâll need for new opportunities in the more specialist industry sectors, such as scientific equipment and semiconductor processing markets.
PP employs nearly 200 people and has benefitted from the outsourcing trend among machine builders who wish to reduce their lead times, achieve greater flexibility and reduce manufacturing costs.
Ahead of the expansion, the company is recruiting new staff and has plans in place to take on six new apprentices.
Hague also explained that PP required the expanded production area to exploit new opportunities in specialist sectors.
He added: Working in partnership with electronics experts SMT Developments and fabrication specialist Mec Com, we have launched the OEM Outsourcing Cluster and will be promoting this through a new brochure, digital marketing campaign and by attending carefully identified trade shows.
PP Control & Automation is targeting growth in Germany, the US and North America as part of its push for £40m sales.
