Six figure funding boost for screen specialist
MANUFACTURER Screentek International has taken delivery of a new Homag CNC machine to expand its office screening range, thanks to a six-figure funding package provided by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Building on its international expansion 12 months ago, Screentek, based near Chorley, Lancashire is set to ramp up production to include new ranges of furniture, which are due for release in early 2016.
This will complement its existing range of versatile screening, ranging from full fabric desk mounted screens to fully glazed aluminium framed meeting pods – all designed and manufactured in the UK.
The Homag CNC and edge banding machine has created five new positions to operate the machine and manage the new furniture ranges. £3.5m turnover Screentek employs 40 staff at its Coppull manufacturing base.
In addition to bank funding, Screentek secured a grant from the Textile Grant Fund to the tune of £125,000.
Screentek finance manager Julie Lowe said: “We have had a busy 12 months since we extended into international markets and we are delighted at how our customer base is growing in this area.
“Whist we continue to develop our markets and brand, we felt it was the right time to expand the range of our ever popular screening systems. The Homag machine is set up and installed and will be the manufacturing focal point of our new furniture range for release in the new year.
“With the continued support of RBS, this is helping us to build on our business and boosting the local economy with the creation further jobs.”
RBS senior relationship manager Gavin Elmes said: “Screentek has an innovative management team in place who continually strive to develop new products. We wish them all the very best as they roll out their furniture range and pleased we could play a pivotal role in securing the investment to help them achieve this next phase of expansion.
“We wish Julie all the very best of luck with her nomination at the NW Finance Awards in October. Julie has secured this worthy finalist position due to her determination and hard work.”
