Stairlift manufacturer launches operations at purpose-built factory

Following 18 months of design and planning, Platinum Stairlifts has begun operating out of a new manufacturing facility near the centre of Keighley.

Foundry Park is a purpose-built 58,000 sq ft facility off Dalton Lane.

Platinum Stairlifts, which was founded in 1996, now ships over 10,000 stairlifts a year to a network of partners across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia.

The business has outgrown its three production sites in Cross Hills and will be consolidating all manufacturing at Foundry Park, with full operation expected to come on stream by mid-August.

The new facility has seen an investment of over £6m and has the potential to double manufacturing output. Platinum’s move has been supported by a seven-figure asset finance solution provided by Lloyds Bank.

Backed by NorthEdge Capital the company now employs over 250 people in disciplines ranging from welding and fabrication, CNC machine operation, assembly and manufacturing quality and process improvement.

Platinum expects to create at least 30 new manufacturing jobs over the next six months.

Marcus Green, chief financial officer, said “Foundry Park creates a platform for continued growth and improved efficiency which will create opportunities for our existing team and for new staff.

“With the support of our shareholders and our banking partners we have been able to invest in brand new machinery that will improve our business.”

Clive Briscoe, chief executive officer, said: “This is a fantastic new investment for our people, creating best in class facilities and deploying the latest technology to improve our ways of working.

“Foundry Park will accommodate over 200 staff and provide onsite car parking, electric vehicle charging points, secure bike parking, shower and canteen facilities, all within a short walking distance of Keighley’s public transport and ‘A‘ road links.

“We are looking forward to welcoming colleagues to the new facility over coming weeks.”

Mark McNulty, sales & marketing director, added: “Our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will unlock some much-needed new capacity for our partners, this will undoubtedly help them and Platinum to grow together in the future.

“Our key differentiator is that we only sell our stairlifts through our Approved Partner Network, meaning we do not compete against our partners, where most of our competitors do.

“We look forward to showcasing Foundry Park to our partners in the coming months.”

Mark Butterworth, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Platinum Stairlifts has become a go-to provider within its core market in recent years.

“And the opening of its new facility will unlock new capabilities and possibilities for its customers, helping the team to meet growing demand in the market, as well as create local jobs and investment.

“We’re excited to see what’s next for Platinum and look forward to watching them go from strength to strength.”