Funding secures Univer expansion
UNIVER Manufacturing Company (UMC) is planning to expand its operation in Yorkshire after securing development funding.
UMC, which is part of the Univer group, is restructuring its Bradford production facility after gaining funding from Yorkshire Bank’s West Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre.
It follows development of the world’s first intelligent electrical clamp as part of Uniever’s range of products to support industrial automation.
Univer, which was founded in Italy in 1971, has a global reputation for its pneumatic automation products but developed the intelligent electrical clamp after deciding that broadening its portfolio is an important component of its future growth.
The new Univer electrical clamp uses a fraction on the energy needed to run a conventional clamp and is also touch-sensitive which increases health and safety as it eliminates the risk of trapping operators.
Mike Pix, UMC’s managing director, said: “Energy efficiency is now a key focal point within the global motor industry and this is being re-enforced by EU legislation.
“We recognise that, to keep ahead of the field, it is essential that Univer continues to introduce innovative technology.”
He continued: “The next challenge for us is to turn our latest designs for electrical linear drives into world beaters but without financial backing this is just a vision and the Yorkshire Bank support will enable us to turn this into reality for Univer and our customers.”
Univer established its only UK base at Bradford 20 years ago and its 17,000 sq ft facility houses the latest CNC production machinery and 3D computerised design, linked directly to manufacturing control systems.
Yorkshire Bank West Yorkshire FSC business partner Jason Middleton, added: “We are very much open to support successful trading businesses.
“Univer is a highly-regarded manufacturing business and we are pleased to support its latest innovations which are environmental, enhance safety and will help car manufacturing to remain competitive.”
