A £1.2m custom-built automated powder coating system has revolutionised production processes at a North Staffordshire manufacturer.
The introduction of the cutting-edge technology at Broxap Street Furniture is part of a £3million-plus sustainable manufacturing project.
It is the latest stage in a huge transformation project for the firm, based at Chesterton, which has seen it make sweeping changes to support a more sustainable operation, as previously reported in Daily Focus.
The first of its kind in the country, the Eurotherm system is already being held up as an example of how manufacturing processes can be improved with the specialist technology.
Incorporating a highly innovative pre-treatment stage, the powder coating system will help Broxap reduce waste, save energy and lessen its environmental impact.
It will also double the powder coating capacity at Broxap’s 125,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, which employs around 220 people, resulting in more competitive lead times and a superior product finish.
Broxap Managing Director Matthew Miles, said: “Maintaining high standards in product quality while reducing the environmental impact of operations is a big challenge for manufacturers.
“At Broxap we have made a commitment to put sustainability at the heart of our operations and the new automated powder coating system is one of the most significant investments we have made to reduce our carbon footprint.
“The system not only respects the environment, it improves the quality and safety of working conditions for our production teams, delivers better flexibility for management and provides excellent results for customers.”
The ‘power and free’ system allows manual loading of products before they travel through the powder coating processing zones via an automatic overhead bi-rail conveyor. This option means the system can handle Broxap’s wide range of product shapes and sizes.
Broxap has extended its production facility to make way for the new system and further work is underway to streamline operations to enable the business to respond to customer requirements more rapidly.
Matthew added: “Equipping our factory with smart technologies and innovative systems supports operational efficiency, reduced energy consumption and green energy production as we look to identify, and work towards, net zero targets and other environmental management objectives.”
Founded in 1946, Broxap is a market leader in the design, manufacture and installation of street furniture; seating; litter bins and recycling bins; bollards; canopies, shelters and covered walkways; cycle parking products; playground equipment and outdoor gym equipment.
