Demand boost for Weidmann Whiteley

THE demand for insulation products for the global power industry has helped boost specialist manufacturer Weidmann Whiteley.

The Pool-in-Wharfedale-based firm has recently taken on new production staff to help fulfill a growing order book for clients across the world in countries such as particular China, Brazil and India.

Currently the £14m turnover Swiss owned company has a workforce of around 120 exporting 70% of its production to 120 countries.

Financial director John Briggs said: “We have invested a six-figure sum in new CNC equipment for our fabrication shop, which created new jobs and we have recruited operatives for the hand-moulding section.

“Successful applicants received on the job training here and in Switzerland.”

In addition to growing sales to emerging economy countries, the growth of insulation products for replacement power and distribution transformers is set to continue in Europe and America.

New systems are also being developed, such as transformers for wind turbines, which creates a new demand despite the current world economic downturn. All of which bodes well for the firm’s continued success supplying the major transformer manufacturers.

While the power industry remains the major market for the 12,000 tonnes of paper and board leaving Pool annually, a fair proportion of Weidmann Whiteley’s products are supplied to a wide range of niche markets around the world when a consistent high quality presspaper is required.

Wood pulp, used by Weidmann Whiteley comes from sustainable forests. Off-cuts are recycled in the production process and trim from customers at home and overseas is returned for use in production.