A Heckmondwike curtain, blind and soft furnishings manufacturer has transformed one of its key production processes, after securing a grant through the Digital Enterprise West Yorkshire programme.
Gordon John Textiles Limited, trading from Springwell Mill since 1976, has used the grant to invest in an automated curtain taping machine. The new machine replaces a slow, labour-intensive process and has already delivered a quicker, more efficient and improved quality product.
The company first met Business Kirklees at a local manufacturing sector networking meeting, where Director Chris Nott was introduced to Gill Watson, SME Growth Manager for Kirklees. The business had not previously engaged with the team.
Following a tour of the factory, Gill and Chris built an action plan targeting the changes that would make the biggest impact with the least disruption to production. Priorities included improving productivity in the tape header department through automation, exploring Made Smarter support for automating the fabric measuring and cutting department, a free energy audit through the Business Sustainability Service, and support for future job creation including the Graduate Recruitment Programme and Apprenticeships.
Gordon John Textiles has now received its energy audit report, registered for Made Smarter for further automation support, and put its new automated sewing machine into operation.
Chris Nott, Director, said:
“With no thoughts of what to expect, we immediately met Gill Watson, Kirklees SME Growth Manager, as we walked through the door. Gill helped us to understand how her department could help support our business in different ways including funding for new growth initiatives. Our business had previously always self-funded new machinery, and we were considering buying a new curtain taping machine to upgrade this slow and labour-intensive process. With Gill’s knowledge of support available we were successful in being awarded a substantial grant to fund our new machine and we are pleased to report this has totally transformed this function, resulting in a quicker, more efficient and improved quality product. Furthermore, Gill has also assisted us with other initiatives which we will consider for the future.”
Interested in similar support?
Business Kirklees works with manufacturers across the area to identify grants, navigate applications and connect businesses to programmes like Digital Enterprise, Made Smarter and the Business Sustainability Service.
Contact the team on 01484 221700 or business.enquiries@kirklees.gov.uk to arrange a conversation.
