Klinger planning to double factory size in Bradford

Gasket-maker Klinger UK is looking to build a new 20,000 sq ft factory in Bradford to double its capacity and bring more work in-house rather than outsourcing.

The company has abandoned plans to extend its factory and offices on the Euroway trading estate next to the M606 motorway and instead is searching for another site for the new development.

The Swiss-owned company has appointed a property consultant to draw up plans and is in discussions with Bradford Council officials in its search for a site.

Investment in the new factory is expected to be around the 5 million Klinger was planning to spend on expanding its current site, which it has occupied for 17 years.

Klinger UK, which employs more than 150 people, including 96 in Bradford, has expanded turnover in the time from 5.7 million to 26 million.

Managing director Alan Bates said: “Our original plan was to invest 5 million at our existing site, including building new offices on top of the building which would not have been ideal.

I’m delighted that the group has endorsed the investment of a similar amount on developing a completely new factory, which will enable us to double our space.

Ideally, we want to stay on the Euroway estate but will consider moving further afield inn the Bradford area if necessary. We’re talking to Bradford Council about finding a suitable site.

It’s a major development for the company and a good one for Bradford and will enable us to continue to meet growing demand and also bring more work in-house, rather than outsoucing some processes.

The new site will also include our ring type joints operation, which is currently in a separate site and will be incorporated into the new factory along with its six employees.

“Hopefully, having a bigger site will enable us to grow more and create jobs in the future.”

Klinger UK has introduced a second 160 ton press line at its Bradford manufacturing centre and further developed its automated assembly lines.

The latest investment includes CNC milling and turning, surface and cylindrical grinding, as well as the latest wire electric discharge machine equipment.

It is also looking to further develop its growing market in highly complex machined parts, with a major investment in precision machining operations to enable it to handle all its press tooling requirements in-house to meet exacting customer supply deadlines.

Mr Bates said: “International demand for our exotic alloy ring type joints and highly complex machined parts for the offshore oil and gas industries continues to increase.

“This latest investment ensures we can further develop those growing markets.”

The Klinger Group is one of the world’s leading developers, manufacturers and distributors of sealing products and now supplies more than 2,000 customers in 40 countries in sectors including aerospace and defence, oil and gas production, power generation, food, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.