Automation specialist completes move to 75,000 sq ft new base

Wakefield-based industrial automation specialist Sewtec has completed its move to a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility at Silkwood Park, near junction 40 of the M1.

As part of the company’s ongoing growth and transformation strategy, Sewtec Automation has signed a 15-year lease for its new 75,000 sq ft headquarters.

It is more than double the total size of its seven previous sites in Dewsbury and design office in Wakefield combined, with all 120 of the company’s employees now based under the same roof for the first time.

There is also adjacent land available for extending the building should growth exceed expectations.

Sewtec Automation invents, designs, manufactures, installs, and supports complex industrial automation systems for global blue-chip clients in the pharmaceutical and medical devices, cosmetics and personal care, pet care, food and beverage and tobacco industries.

The new facility includes modern R&D and office spaces, with breakout areas to further enhance the business’s approach to problem-solving.

It also provides production and quality control offices whilst significantly increasing the sizes of the company’s assembly area, machine shop, fabrication bays and stores, creating space for future expansion.

This project received investment from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1bn package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

As part of the move, the company estimates the latest location will eventually create up to an additional 70 high skilled jobs.

Sewtec managing director, Mark Cook, said: “The move to our new, facility is hugely significant as it provides the launch pad for the continued implementation of our ambitious growth plans.

“By moving to this location, we’ve been able to bring all our people together under one roof in an excellent design and manufacturing environment, increase our capacity and improve our operational efficiencies.

“Just as importantly, we now have a facility which showcases our capabilities and has created an immensely positive impression on existing and potential customers, partners and suppliers, and future employees who have visited us.

“Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we’re experiencing growing demand for our inventive approach to automation, both here in the UK and overseas.

“Our new facility will enable us to maximise our potential and meet that growing demand.”

Roger Marsh, chairman of LEP and NP11, added: “Investment is a key factor in helping our businesses to grow, improve productivity and ultimately create new jobs.

“I’d encourage all businesses to get in touch with the LEP Business Support Service and access the support available for growing businesses.”