The UK’s leading manufacturer of PAT testing equipment, Seaward Group has invested £500,000 to transform its manufacturing site in Peterlee, Durham.
Established for more than 30 years, the funding will allow the site to become further efficient, minimise waste, and even have a 25% increase in productivity.
This will enable the company to further grow, offer more employment opportunities and utilise new technologies over years to come.
John Madden, head of operations for Seaward Group spoke exclusively to The Manufacturer. He said: “My hopes for the project are numerous, the main drivers are to deliver a more efficient manufacturing facility which supports the bright future that we have for the site.”
The Seaward Group also want to improve the working environment for employees and have a “light and airy” space backed up by innovative tools and equipment.
“We predict that the investment we are making – circa £500,000 will not only improve our efficiencies but also set us up to support our New Product Development (NPD) road map which will in turn allow further growth.”
The company which is reportedly dedicated to setting higher standards of quality and performance around electrical safety equipment, employs 160 people at its headquarters in county Durham and also has a base in the US.
Madden continued: “The Peterlee facility is here for the long-term and this level of investment coupled with the ambition and drive of the management team and investors, will ensure the longevity and growth of the facility.”
He added that although the facility will not “change the world” or introduce a whole new manufacturing ethos, Seaward Group, “Is taking a successful business and making it ‘fit for growth.’”
The company aims to harness the expertise and skills it has collected over the years and believes this will be key to success.
Madden added: “We don’t have a notebook full of new tools and techniques – we are simply taking the experience and knowledge that we have gained over many years in the industry and putting the best practises in place.”
Recently the company also partnered with Labour MP Grahame Morris and other industry experts, to produce a nationwide campaign to improve rented properties’ electrical safety.
The partnership was carried out in an effort to upgrade electrical safety to prevent disasters like the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.
Andrew Upton, managing director of Seaward, commented: “As industry experts and advocates for electrical safety, we believe there should be a safety-first policy – and we are sure many people will agree with us. The fact of the matter is that if done correctly, PAT testing will help to save lives.
Seaward Group is helping to play an important role in helping to improve electrical safety equipment and regulations; the investment being carried out in Durham could allow the company to reach its growth ambitions and reduce the number of faulty electrical appliances being used.
Madden concluded: “The business has been very successful to this point, but we have recognised that to continue innovating through NPD we have to get our manufacturing facility, equipment, infrastructure and processes aligned to support this.”