Investment to boost capacity and employment at manufacturer

Emergency vehicle manufacturer, Venari Group – based in Brighouse – has invested £400,000 in new machinery to advance its manufacturing quality, ability and capacity.

Following a launch into the emergency services market in early 2020, Venari has bought the automated equipment in a bid for growth, amid the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

The investment includes a CNC router – capable of precisely cutting sheets of metal from CAD drawings – as well as press brakes and edge banders.

The equipment will allow Venari to fulfil high-quality production finishes over large quantities, without needing to outsource production.

Customers will also experience reduced costs and lead times – and the extra equipment should also mean subsequent local recruitment drives.

Venari CEO, Oliver North, said: “We’re in the midst of the most challenging economic period that many of us have faced in our careers to-date, but nevertheless – we must move forward.

“The recent challenges in the global supply chain means maximal self-sufficiency is key, to ensure we can maintain production for our emergency services throughout their most challenging period.

“We’re also more acutely aware that we must manufacture more in the UK than ever before, to drive employment and economic recovery as much as possible, and this investment shows the respect we have for our market and the economy as a whole.

“We’re satisfied that we’re doing our bit in assisting economic recovery.”

Venari has sustained production during the lockdown – concentrating on ambulance deliveries to the NHS – while maintaining protection for its workforce.

North added: “Since the Covid outbreak, our team at Venari has taken strides forward in culture, togetherness and sheer work ethic.

“To now back up this unrivalled passion we have for manufacturing, with an increase in self-sufficiency and capability, moves us in front of our continental European rivals, which is no mean feat.

“And to be able to compete with global industry leaders, means we can prove a strong case to manufacture all taxpayer-funded assets right here in the UK.”