LEP investment moulds the way for manufacturer to expand

A grant from the LEP has supported rotational moulded product manufacturer Crompton Mouldings as it re-relocates to larger premises and increases its workforce.

Specialist training to increase capactiy

The £2,600 grant is being used by Kirklees-based Crompton Mouldings to provide specialist training for a new rotational moulding machine which will increase the company’s capacity. 

Crompton Mouldings, which designs and manufactures moulded products such as grit boxes, drainage products and cattle feeders, supplies a number of large agricultural, construction, medical and civil service organisations across the country.

The LEP support is helping the business expand its offering, as the new rotational moulding machine will give the business the opportunity to design and manufacture a range of larger products in-house.

Lean manufacturing

Michael Gilmore, production director of Crompton Mouldings, said: "We approached the LEP for skills support in order to increase staff efficiency, prepare employees for a surge in orders and ready the business for relocation to a larger premises with new machinery. Through the LEP skills service we were able to access funding to maximise our training budget enabling us to provide a full package of training for our team including continuous improvement essentials and a number of solid works CAD training courses.

“Training will enable our business to better understand the principles of lean manufacturing, supporting the staff to increase productivity and make efficiency savings, therefore reducing costs and increasing profitability. The training will also support the business to properly integrate a new rotational moulding machine which will greatly increase our capacity.

“The LEP skills service has played a huge part in making sure our business continues to grow and reaches its full potential.”

Further support and funding available

LEP Board member and skills service lead, Mark Ridgway, of Group Rhodes said: “With grants of between £500 and £50,000 available to businesses with a budget to put towards training, employers have the opportunity to work with a team of expert skills advisors, discuss their long term growth plans and skills needs, and put together a robust training plan for their staff. 

“Offering a comprehensive service to businesses, the team of advisors support employers to tackle paperwork, source appropriate training provision and submit an application for funding. The LEP are dedicated to ensuring local businesses primed for growth have the skills to succeed.”

As part of the LEP’s wider ambitions to invest in business growth, the skills service can support up to 50% of training costs for eligible businesses throughout the Leeds City Region. Funding is available until spring 2017. To find out if your business is eligible and to apply, click here.