New Facility Forms Core for Sustainable Future at Flexitallic

Today Flexitallic officially opens its new manufacturing and administration headquarters at Scandinavia Mill, Cleckheaton. Performing the opening ceremony will be Mike Wood, MP for Batley and Spen. The Cleckheaton-based gasket manufacturer, Flexitallic, has relocated within the town to new, larger premises with the aim of sustaining high efficiency in all aspects of its operations. The several million pound investment reflects the continuing growth of the business and increased demand for its sealing products and gasketing materials.

Currently operating over two sites, the Scandinavia Mill site will allow consolidation of its Rochdale operation (which comprises the research laboratory as well as sheet manufacturing), moving during the first half of 2009. Besides immediate logistic and administrative benefits this will allow a faster response to new product development to meet customer needs.

Flexitallic has been associated with this area of West Yorkshire for over 70 years and had operated from its previous factory at Marsh Works, Cleckheaton for nearly 50 years. Moving to the new purpose-fitted premises at Scandinavia Mill allows the company to continue to grow within its markets. The new site provides over 127,000ft² and will be occupied by Flexitallic’s 150 employees.

Commenting at the opening event, David Mitchell, managing director of Flexitallic, explained, “Environmental efficiency is not just a ‘passing phase’ for Flexitallic – it’s our core business. As such, we have embraced every area possible with the investment to ensure that we not only provide products that improve the environment, but we manufacture them and administer our processes as environmentally efficiently as possible. For example, we have no light switches in the facility – they come on automatically when needed and switch off when not required. Our space heating is provided by a high efficiency warm air system.”

He continued, “Operational efficiency is greatly improved by this move and is essential for us to maintain growth in our highly competitive markets. We are able to sustain our market leadership by delivering solutions that provide what our customers need when they need it. To this end, we have ensured complete flexibility of the manufacturing process by accommodating facilities that allow machinery to be installed and positioned anywhere in the factory area. Combined with investment in new machinery this gives us the adaptability to react to market demands rapidly.”

For the past five years, Flexitallic has enjoyed year on year growth driven primarily by increased demand for its high quality and technology-led solutions. Operating in process industries including oil, power, petrochemical, chemical and pharmaceutical, Flexitallic works closely with customers, developing solutions for complex tasks.

Developing sealing solutions suitable for deep well oil and gas extraction, high temperature sealing, and nuclear power all require Flexitallic material and applications expertise. Working closely with customers globally in these areas increasingly indicates growing demand for its specialist sealing materials.

“Burgeoning technology in many areas including the exciting solid oxide fuel cells, the oil and gas industry, and nuclear power signal a strong future for our business. Technology demands increasingly push the boundaries for sealing products and Flexitallic is recognised globally as a leader in material and solution development. We are very optimistic about the future and this investment allows Flexitallic to expand and sustain growth,” Mr Mitchell concluded.