2 minute read - 25th October 2024
AHS & AMP opens new manufacturing facility in Lancashire
Bulk handling and processing equipment manufacturer, AHS & AMP (Automated Handling Solutions and Advanced Material Processing), has opened its new, 60,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Darwen, Lancashire.
The new facility is a significant upgrade from the company’s previous site in Clitheroe, now representing 25% of AHS & AMP’s global manufacturing capacity. Designed to serve customers across the UK, continental Europe, Africa and Asia, the Darwen site will support the company’s strategic focus on growth and global reach. The larger facility is a major step forward for AHS & AMP, allowing the company to improve lead times, increase efficiency and support its growing operations.
The Darwen facility will be used to manufacture equipment across AHS & AMP’s four key brands of Spiroflow, Cablevey, Marion and Kason. The expanded space includes dedicated build bays for each piece of equipment, greater storage capacity and improved areas for quality control. The investment will lead to enhanced production efficiency, with space allocated for pre-assembly, allowing engineers to complete tasks with fewer constraints.
Ben Ayrton, managing director at AHS & AMP, said: “This isn’t just a new building, it represents the future of our business. We’ve outgrown our previous site and this state-of-the-art facility provides us with the space to increase capacity, streamline operations and deliver enhanced services to our customers. The improvements will allow us to implement lean manufacturing practices, reduce lead times and create a safer, more efficient working environment for our engineers. This facility is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality and growth. We are excited to welcome our customers and partners to Darwen and look forward to a bright future.”
The new test bay, covering 10,000 sq ft of the facility, will allow customers to witness AHS & AMP’s equipment in action, with one of every key product available for demonstration. The Darwen facility follows the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Friedrichsdorf, Germany, in 2023, which focuses on pre-sales testing and aftermarket support. In 2025, further investment in the Darwen site will enhance the company’s testing capabilities, matching the offerings of the German test lab.
Supporting AHS & AMP’s commitment to sustainability, the Darwen site features energy-efficient solutions, including full LED lighting, hybrid heat pumps and a comprehensive recycling program. This ensures that the facility not only promotes operational efficiency but also aligns with the company’s long-term environmental goals.
The increased space at the new facility also opens up recruitment opportunities, providing access to a larger talent pool within the region.