Cheshire engineers looking to expand into Europe

Tony Goodwin

 

Cheshire based engineering company Process Components is to open a new office in the Netherlands.

The move forms a key part of its strategy to extend its global territories, significantly grow its revenues and create new jobs.

It follows the move of Process Components’ headquarters in Macclesfield to much larger premises in Poynton last year.

Process Components employs 31 people and is a heritage manufacturer dating back to the 1980s that produces machinery and components, predominately for multi-national organisations in the food and beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

It is made up of a group of brands that incorporates Kemutec, Kek, Gardner, Mucon and PPS.

The decision to expand into the Netherlands will allow the firm to be closer to its growing customer base in Europe, where it will focus predominantly on the food sector, specifically in confectionery, starches, spices and flavours.

The firm will also serve the fine chemical sector, with home/personal care industries for the production of products such as detergents and toothpaste.

From its Netherlands base, it will service customers firstly in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

The Dutch headquarters, known as Kemutec B.V., Process Components’ subsidiary company, will be based in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, known colloquially as Den Bosch.

It was chosen for its central location less than an hour from cities such as Rotterdam, Amsterdam or Antwerp and ninety minutes from Dusseldorf and Brussels.

Process Components plan to grow organically following the creation of the Dutch base, with plans to hire new people and increase its European partnerships by the end of 2018.

Eventually, the new offices will feature test equipment facilities, provide mobile support, and local project engineering and servicing.

The new Dutch office will be headed up by Johan Lucas. Born in the Netherlands, Johan speaks fluent Dutch, English, and German and has been involved in projects all around the world in places such as South Africa, Philippines, Vietnam, China, UK and Russia.

Tony Goodwin, managing director at Process Components, added:  “Kemutec is part of the UK’s manufacturing history, a heritage brand that has been successfully deployed worldwide. The new office will provide an opportunity to grow the already large and loyal customer base in the Netherlands and nearby countries.

“There is a rapidly growing demand for Kemutec powder processing equipment, components and systems across the globe.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Johan in his new role, as his experience and knowledge of the brand worldwide will be invaluable as we implement this exciting new step of our global strategy.”

Johan Lucas, vice president of sales and business development at Kemutec B.V. said: “The Netherlands is home to a great number of multinationals and benefits from its central European location, excellent infrastructure, technology and a strong open economy.

“We are looking to build on the tradition of very successful commercial partnerships and business cooperation between the Netherlands and the UK.

“The new base allows us to work even more closely with existing and new customers on joint developments, and provide the best possible service.”

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