New machines improve processes at Ripple Group
Oldham retail interior, display equipment and bespoke manufacturing specialist Ripple Group has invested more than £200,000 in new technology machinery for its joinery and engineering departments.
The new machines will significantly increase capability and enhance productivity across its facilities.
Ripple works across the UK and Europe with clients including many well-known brands and retailers in sectors including fashion, homewares, grocery, supermarkets, health and beauty, decorative products, electrical, DIY and builders’ merchants.
The group has installed the new equipment at its Greenacres Road base.
This machine optimises use of materials and cuts and machines complex shapes and designs into virtually any timber-based or solid surface panel.
It can be programmed to work with mixed batches of materials, such as plywood, MDF, MFC or compact laminates and is fully automated. From full sheets it produces finished components ready for assembly.
Another significant acquisition at Ripple is a machine that efficiently folds sheet steel and has great versatility for complex forms and accuracy.
Investment in staff training for the new machinery also forms part of Ripple’s wider growth and investment programme where employee development is key.
The new machines will have a significant impact on Ripple’s manufacturing capacity and combine with other advanced machinery and the group’s highly-skilled workforce across its joinery, cabinet making, steel fabrication, paint finishing and powder coating departments.
Presently, Ripple has 26 staff, including skilled joiners, cabinetmakers, machine operators, engineers, fabricators, welders, powder-coating and spray-painting technicians, creative and technical designers and a sales, marketing and logistics team.
Ripple founder and managing director, David Wolfenden, said: “With more complex design we have the advantage of achieving a higher level of automation, which makes the processes more measurable whilst reducing the potential for errors and increasing productivity and cost-effectiveness across the business.”
Ripple operates as ‘two companies, one team’, and in the trading names of Ripple and RED Manufacturing.
RED Manufacturing produces much of the finished products for Ripple and provides a trade manufacturing service making bespoke commercial furniture, architectural elements and a variety of components.
Despite a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding Brexit and changes in the retail sector, Ripple said it is growing strongly, diversifying into new sectors and investing in equipment, recruitment, staff skills and workplace facilities to continue to drive success and make it an exceptional place to work.
