CHAMBER CONNECT Q.2 59-84.qxp_Chamberlink 19/05/2021 10:14 Page 70
Sector Focus:Manufacturing
The team at Gripple Automation
Gripple takes home another award ripple, Sheffield-based celebrated manufacturer of innovative suspension systems and wire tensioning systems, is set to emerge from the pandemic with confidence after receiving another national award and increasing its presence in its home city. Gripple is no stranger to major recognition. Last year Gripple came top of the class in the national 2020 Make UK Manufacturing Awards, crowned as Manufacturer of the Year, winning two other categories, and an apprentice receiving a regional award. In this top award employee owned Gripple was judged to have blazed a trail within the UK manufacturing sector, for leading by example and developing progressive best practice for others in the industry. And for showing
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exceptional initiative, boldness and dynamism, as well as exemplary management practices. Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, said: “Gripple has been an exemplar company for many years and these awards are a testament to the people, innovation, drive and dynamic performance to which all manufacturers should aspire. We are proud to have given them our highest award and look forward to seeing Gripple continue to prosper.” Growing demand for Gripple Fast Trak, one of its ground-breaking products, means the repurpose of a
brand-new building – previously intended to be home to Gripple Automation – and acquiring a new home for GA which had outgrown its existing premises. Gripple had invested £2m in a brand-new 18,000 sq ft building on Foley Street which is now dedicated to Fast Trak manufacture. Christened the Norfolk Bridge Works, this building will provide the additional production space required for Fast Trak, the rapid trapeze bracket solution designed for the suspension of building services. The ‘next generation’ Gripple building, will provide 15,000 sqft
‘A testament to the people, innovation, drive and dynamic performance’
production and 2,000 sqft office space, plus room to support Fast Trak’s increasing popularity and a showcase for the latest Gripple products in addition to a ‘green’ wall and solar panels. The bespoke automated production and processing solutions provided by Gripple Automation, both in-house and external, continue to increase beyond expectations. This necessitated a move into another building – a new 16,000 sqft facility, with a 9,032 sqft build space, close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Orgreave. Ed Stubbs, Gripple Managing Director, said: “This prestigious recognition and expansion is absolute testimony to how our employee owners have gone above and beyond to support their business in such a challenging year.”
Insulation manufacturer lands £250k funding One of the UK’s leading building insulation manufacturers, YBS Insulation (“YBS”), has received a £250,000 loan to progress its growth plans. YBS secured the finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) East & South East Midlands Debt Finance Fund, managed by Maven Capital Partners. The business, based in Creswell, Derbyshire, will use the funding to invest in new production machinery to increase its output capacity, as well as strengthening its sales and marketing function. The deal will help YBS continue to generate new business opportunities by enhancing its digital presence, improving its e-platform and growing its social media presence. YBS specialises in producing building insulation products for private homes and the construction sector such as multi-foil insulation, 70 CHAMBER connect Spring 2021
bubble laminates, cavity closers and foil membranes. Using its on-site laboratory and testing facility, YBS has developed a product range that is thinner, lighter and more energy efficient than traditional products that are on the market such as those that are made of mineral wool and polyisocyanurate (PIR) board. The business already supplies major UK builders’ merchants and DIY retailers such as Screwfix, Wickes, Toolstation and Homebase, in addition to retailers in Europe. Simon Sharkey, Managing Director at YBS, said: “This marks another exciting milestone for YBS as we look to continuously improve our customer offering though new product developments and improved efficiency. We have significantly advanced the business over recent years, but this will provide the investment to really accelerate our plans. Jonathan and Maven have been instrumental in securing this
investment and we at YBS are looking forward to building on this relationship.’’ Jonathan Lowe, Investment Director for Maven, said: “We are delighted to support Simon and his team with this MEIF loan as YBS look to develop to the next stage. Increasing numbers of property owners in the UK and overseas are seeing the benefits of investing in energy efficient insulation and YBS is well placed to expand further at its site in North Derbyshire.” Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive, D2N2 LEP, said: “Through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, we want ambitious businesses to have the opportunity to grow and innovate. Supporting companies like YBS, which are helping to reduce energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions, will help our regions collective vision for green led recovery and growth.”
