igus doubles capacity following surge in demand for sub-assemblies

Northampton-based plastics components manufacturer igus has expanded its UK facility. The move comes in response to customer demand for sub-assembled components that can are more easily be integrated and packaged into customer projects, products and designs. The expansion has almost doubled its engineering support facility to 1,000sqm, while freeing up ground-floor space for the engineering team to meet demand for fully assembled products.

The company, which employs 110 people, specialises in the production of sophisticated plastic components including bearings and chains that enable the movement of mechanisms in numerous applications, ranging from automotive plants to theme parks.

Matthew Aldridge, managing director, said: “As UK industries embrace ever more efficient manufacturing methods, we have seen particularly strong demand for ready-assembled packages that can be quickly and cost-effectively deployed on site.

“If business levels continue to grow at their current rate we will need to recruit more employees, which this new open workspace enables us to do.”

The company also runs a number of initiatives to support young engineers, including an apprenticeship programme and provision of products to students and researchers working on projects ranging from hyperloop and robotics to motor racing and medicine.