Crop handling specialist Alvan Blanch has invested in a new bending machine for its Wiltshire manufacturing plant – said to be the largest machine of its kind in the UK.
Facilitated by a near £700,000 loan from Lloyds Bank, the new automatic bending cell robot will allow the company to speed up production, reduce costs and prevent backlogs.
It states that the new machine will be instrumental in doubling production in the future, with increased levels of automation. Wireless laser sensors control the bending process and the machine can work overnight without supervision.
Manufactured by Trumpf of Germany/Austria, the TruBend 5230 (S) brake press – with 4.25m bend length x 230-tonne capacity with BendMaster robot is one of only three of these top-of-the-range models operating in the UK.
Andrew Blanch, managing director at Alvan Blanch, said: “Automation has been transformative to this business over recent years and despite how far we have come on this journey there is so much more yet for us to achieve.”
As part of the wider investment plan, the company has installed a new insulated roof with mounted solar panels and an air-source heat pump. This spring the company planted a woodland strip to provide shelter for passing wildlife.
Amey Green, associate director at Lloyds Bank said: “Across its seven decades, Alvan Blanch has never been a business to rest on its laurels. A consistently forward-looking attitude has helped to drive the firm to its position as a market leader and major exporter. This new investment will help them to drive new efficiencies and maintain its edge in what is a competitive marketplace.
“We’re proud to be able to support Alvan Blanch’s continued growth, both here in the UK and in export markets around the world.”