Cheshire-based Ink Technologies UK Ltd (ITL) showed MP, Mark Hunter, how it has used government support to cut its costs, safeguard jobs and expand internationally.
The small business, based in Cheadle, Stockport, whose innovative inkjet inks are sold to digital printers worldwide, has worked with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) North West at The Manufacturing Institute to boost productivity by 20% and double machine productivity.
Mark Hunter, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader, took a tour of the factory, employing 19 people, and heard how MAS has helped the company add £56,000 to its bottom line and safeguard jobs.
ITL exports 75% of its products. Its specialist inks are used in colourful pitch-side banners at many English Premiership football grounds, and are used by famous brands such as Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, Nestle and Pirelli to code and mark their products.
Robin Titterington, Managing Director of Ink Technologies, said: -We have ambitions to double our turnover in the next three years and the help and advice of MAS has been invaluable in improving our business and creating the right platform for growth.
-They coached us in lean manufacturing techniques to ensure we work smarter and use our machinery more efficiently. I was sceptical at first, but the support was very practical and focused on our specific needs. It made our people realise we were serious about business improvement and encouraged them to get fully involved. We are now in a position where we are recruiting new people and two new starters have joined this week.
Mark Hunter MP said: -I like to visit local businesses on a regular basis to see what I can do to help. Ink Technologies are an important employer and their world class products are in demand across the globe.”
Adam Buckley, Head of Programmes for The Manufacturing Advisory Service, said: -Companies like ITL are a fantastic example of great British manufacturing. They are a shining example of excellence and it has been a privilege to work with them and contribute to their ongoing success story.
-Our manufacturing specialists helped the company implement new ways of working that mean they are their production is much faster, meaning that they can make to order and don’t have their cash tied up in finished stock sat on shelves waiting for customer orders to come in. On one key piece of machinery the changeovers used to take an entire day and now take 20 minutes. These sorts of improvements make a huge difference to performance and profitability.
ITL is developing its people through Manufacturing Institute programmes, such as LEAD, which develops leadership skills in growing small businesses.
Small and medium sized manufacturing businesses employing fewer than 250 people are eligible for a funded on-site manufacturing review. For further information, contact 0800 093 9077
Click to see the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) North West
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