£350k Plant and Process Investment for Security Specialists
A company that makes security doors and access covers for the water industry is investing £350,000 in new plant and proceses.
Technocover, which specialises in in physical security products for utilities and critical national infrastructure, is celebrating 20 years of engineering innovation from its long-standing home in Welshpool, Powys.
With a new programme of factory investment and training underway, the company is looking forward to many more years supporting the Mid Wales economy and skills pool as a major employer.
Founded in September 1993, Technocover quickly established a niche in the design and fabrication of certified high security access covers for the water industry.
It went on to add accredited high security doors, cabinets, buildings and allied products to create a market-leading range of water protection systems.
Now a £12+ million business employing 142 people, Technocover has diversified into the energy, telecommunications and transportation sectors with its respected Sentinel and UltraSecure brands, as well as supplying government establishments and other high security sites in both the public sector and National Infrastructure applications. It is also making headway in overseas markets.
Since January 2012, Technocover, which incorporates TechnoRail and Strataform, has been part of the long established UK group, Ensor Holdings PLC. Under the new ownership, the company has pressed ahead with an ambitious investment programme to add to its range of innovative physical security access products.
For the last 18 months, Technocover’s 6,967 sq/m site has been a hive of activity as its R&D team work on 10 new product models and new production plant has gone live.
Managing director, Michael Miles, said: “The company recognises the importance of investment, in our workforce, production facilities and R&D, as we develop new markets and aim for our growth targets. This financial year we have a planned capital spend of £350,000, 40% up on last year.”
Latest additions to the factory include a new £100k press with a five-metre long bed. This allows larger products to be made from single piece steel.
The company has also installed a state-of-the-art paint spray coating plant, contributing to its expanding range of aesthetic finish products.
With logistics playing a big part in its service offering, Technocover has replaced plant and its vehicle fleet for delivery and installation.
The investment underlines the strategic importance of the company’s ‘Total Service’ capabilities which range from site surveys and security consultation to product installation and maintenance.
Ten employees have recently completed the first in a series of on-site workshops in ILM (Institute of Leadership Management) team leader training, fully funded by Skills Growth Wales and delivered by Awbery Management Ltd.
Skills Growth Wales are co-financed by the Welsh Assembly Government and European Union, with support from the European Social Funding (ESF) through the initiative ‘Europe & Wales Investing in Your Future’.
Based in Welshpool since its inception, the company has nurtured close ties with the local community providing employment and training opportunities and sourcing supplies from local businesses wherever possible. Maximising the use of local resources plays an important part in its commitment to sustainable operation.
Technocover ranked in the Sunday Times list of top 100 fastest growing UK companies in 1999 and 2005.
For further information telephone 01938 555511 or E-mail: techadvice@technocover.co.uk
ENDS
Published in the Western Mail, 27th December 2013