Robotics line launched by manufacturer to supply Jaguar Land Rover
An automotive manufacturer, VTL, has installed a robotic production line at its Huddersfield site with the help of the Business Growth Fund.
The new facility has been built to manufacture aluminium four-cylinder petrol cam carriers, which will be used in engines in the new range of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.
The carriers will be delivered to JLR through a multi-year contract with Ryobi UK.
The production line was designed inhouse by VTL’s project and engineering team and includes 12 robots, supported by several purpose-built machines.
It has a manufacturing capacity of nearly 10,000 parts per week, which VTL says represents a “significant” increase.
Following the installation of the new line, Ryobi UK and JLR have awarded VTL substantial new contracts for two additional complex component parts.
Huddersfield-headquartered VTL also has facilities in Europe, USA, India and Japan, supporting a global customer base.
It manufactures bespoke components for engines, transmissions and turbochargers for leading automotive tier ones and OEMs including Cummins, Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Delphi and BorgWarner.
Under the leadership of CEO Bruno Jouan, VTL has won several major contracts since BGF’s initial investment and is now one of the UK’s largest precision contract manufacturing businesses.
Bruno Jouan, CEO, VTL, commented: “The production line, which has been two years in the making, positions VTL as one of the most advanced precision engineers in the world. That is testament to the skills, expertise and commitment of our team of technicians and engineers.
“We are creating, in Huddersfield, a centre of operational excellence and advancement, underpinned by the support of our customers, suppliers, partners and investors. Our ongoing investment programme has not only helped us to significantly increase output, but also to retain, grow and win contracts.”
Barry Jackson, BGF commented: “VTL Group was one of BGF’s first investments in Yorkshire and the company remains as ambitious about growth today as it was when we made our initial investment. It has been hugely rewarding to support the capital investments the company has been making, as well as witnessing the impact these are having on organic growth.”
Squire Patton Boggs acted for VTL Group, with a team led by Richard Hunt and Craig Pettit. An Addleshaw Goddard team including James Tatrow and Aidan Barry is acting for BGF.
