Glazing and home improvement manufacturer boosts capacity

A glazing and home improvement manufacturer has increased its capacity after investing in new machinery after landing a six-figure asset finance loan.

Birmingham-based Abcell, which operates from a 74,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Witton, has used the £238,500 funding package to purchase a 20-metre long, specialist machine that will enable the business to cut and machine PVC plastics more efficiently and with greater accuracy.

Abcell already manufactures a range of high-performance products including conservatory and solid roofs, garden rooms, aluminum bi-fold, sliding and residential doors and windows.

The investment will help the business to meet a growing demand for its product range in the PVC market, as consumers look to install more thermal efficient glazing solutions in their homes and reduce fuel bills. The new kit will also manufacture products in a range of colours and wood grain effects.

Founded in 1990 by Paul Ford, Abcell now employs more than 60 people in the Midlands and is anticipating a significant increase in annual turnover following the investment.

Ford said: “There’s been a huge spike in demand for new glazing products, particularly in the domestic market, as people opt to spend money improving the comfort of their homes, rather than going out or taking holidays. Investing in this new machinery means we’re better placed to react quickly and more efficiently to this trend, and it also gives us a platform to build on our capabilities in the increasingly popular PVC products space.

“Lloyds Bank has been by our side for nearly two decades and we’ve found their constant support and guidance invaluable throughout every stage of our expansion. They have helped us to achieve our ambitions and we will continue to work closely with them in the future.”

Vijay Chouhan, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Abcell is a leading player in the manufacture of high-performance glazing products, with a reputation for supplying high-quality and innovative products. The business is always looking for new ways to expand and drive optimisation, and this investment in new machinery is testament to this commitment.”

Julie Cranmer, associate director, asset finance at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “We’re pleased to support such a thriving business as they take another important step in their ongoing growth journey.”