Lab furniture firm invests in new base

A NORTH West manufacturer of specialist laboratory furniture is looking to a bright future after buying a new base.

FBS Contracts has invested more than £500,000 in its new 21,000 sq ft premises on the Whitehouse Industrial Estate in Runcorn.

The £2m turnover firm, which has 30 staff, previoiusly traded from a rented site on Astmoor Industrial Estate.

The new, larger  facility will allow FBS to increase its manufacturing capacity if needed. The investmenrt also provides FBS with long-term stability as the lease on its previous home was not available to buy.   

Founded in 1992, FBS manufactures and installs laboratory furniture for schools, universities, the NHS and commercial clients including many leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

A £300,000 loan from Natwest commercial banking in Liverpool helped FBS fund its move.

Managing director Tracey Robinson, said: “Purchasing our own premises provided additional security for the business and is something that we have been looking to do for quite a while.

“Moving to a larger base also means we can improve the efficiency of our manufacturing operations and increase capacity as and when required.”

NatWest commercial banking relationship director Angela Moretta, said: “This is a positive move by Tracey and her management team.  They have moved to keep the business competitive in this market and enhance its long term security.”