Manufacturer PP Electrical concludes supply deal as funding backs its growth

A STAFFORDSHIRE manufacturer has signed a national agreement with one of the world’s leading pneumatics, fluid power and automation specialists.

The announcement comes as Cheslyn Hay-based Power Panels Electrical Systems confirmed details of a new funding agreement.

The new agreement will see PP Electrical become a national integration partner for SMC Pneumatics (UK), providing its global customer base with solutions in electrical, electronic and electro-pneumatic control systems and assemblies.

It will look to combine respective engineering and manufacturing technologies in a bid to introduce new components and processes to the build of specialist machines used in food processing, machine tool, medical, packaging and semi-conductor industries.

Tony Hague, managing director of PP Electrical Systems, said: “We are continually looking for ways to improve the quality and diversity of the solution we offer our customers. Therefore, it is vital that we forge closer links with other leading technology providers.  

“We have been working closely with SMC for a number of years and the signing of this agreement further strengthens this relationship and signals our intent to jointly use the best components and the best processes in the build of our systems and machines.”

Steve Bangs, manufacturing director at SMC Pneumatics (UK), added: “There are a lot of synergies between our two organisations and this new partnership will strengthen an existing relationship that is already delivering advancements in control and automation technology.”

The new funding package agreed with Lloyds Bank will help facilitate the ongoing growth of PP Electrical, which supplies a variety of sectors across the UK, USA and Germany, including the medical, automotive, energy, food processing and security industries.

The funding was needed to help generate cashflow to meet growing demand following an ongoing increase in customer orders.

Established in 1967, PP Electrical has an annual turnover of circa £20m and employs 200 people, with plans to take on 40 additional staff before the end of this year.

David Fox (right), PP Electrical chairman, said: “We have seen a growing demand across many market sectors for high quality control systems, and it is crucial that we are able to continue providing new manufacturing concepts that truly deliver.

“The team at Lloyds Bank has been really supportive, and the funding provided has been vital in enabling us to meet increasing customer demand as we work towards our future growth ambitions.”

Grant Warren (left), Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in Birmingham, said: “PP Electrical is a successful business that has used its industry expertise to deliver complete manufacturing solutions tailored to each individual business’s needs.

“The business’ recent investment to further its production capabilities is a testament to its commitment to continually refining and perfecting its service, and the new employment opportunities that are going to be created are great news for the local economy.”  

“At Lloyds Bank we recognise the importance of manufacturing businesses to the UK economy. We have a dedicated team of relationship managers who understand the manufacturing sector, and can help businesses in achieving their growth ambitions.”