Engineering firm invests in new space

A GROWING Lancashire manufacturer has spread its wings after investing in additional industrial space.

Nelson-based Pendle Engineering has bought a further unit at Pendle Industrial Estate, after a 15% surge in sales in its office furniture manufacturing division, which helped take annual turnover past £3.5m last year for the first time.

The deal – which takes the family-owned firm’s total factory space to 63,000 sq ft, was funded by Yorkshire Bank.  

The new unit adds to Pendle Engineering’s portfolio of factories on the industrial estate, already owning units 3, 4, 5 and 6. Unit 2 will be used as a storage facility, allowing increased space to manufacture in the other units.

Managing director Eddie Smith said: “We’ve been in the local area since we started in 1977, so it’s great news to be expanding once again, showing our commitment to manufacturing in East Lancashire.

“We’ve grown thanks to our willingness to invest in the most effective manufacturing machinery and facilities in the industry to make sure our customers receive the best in design and build quality.”

In the past year, Pendle Engineering has increased its workforce by 10 to 60, and is looking to recruit further this year.

John Reeves, business partner at Yorkshire Bank’s Blackburn financial solutions centre, said: “Manufacturing remains a key part of East Lancashire’s success, and businesses such as Pendle Engineering are the reason why.

“The business works with everyone from bike enthusiasts to the biggest furniture distributors and has a highly-regarded name in the industry. The new unit means they can increase manufacturing output, helping to service this increased demand.”

Pendle Engineering uses laser cutting, bending, welding, machining and powder coating to manufacture a variety of products, from office furniture to computer accessories, such as laptop stands. Office furniture is its biggest division, with more than 2,000 office chair frames made each week.
    
It also designs, manufactures and sells bike racks under the Pendle Bike Racks brand.