Shackletons comfortable for growth following deal

A FURNITURE manufacturer and upholsterer has acquired new premises which will increase its manufacturing capacity.

Shackletons believes the 8,500 sq ft new unit, situated next to its factory in Dewsbury, will improve the efficiencies of the company’s manufacturing system, enabling the complete process to be relocated on-site.

The company, which also has a base in Batley, believes the move will increase production as well as reducing both its carbon footprint and prices to its customers.

The deal for the premises was funded by The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Shackletons was established in 1959. In 2000, Martyn Higgins, who had worked for the company for 10 years, and his wife purchased the company and have since expanded the product range to include beds. 

Shackletons produces a wide variety of furniture and accessories with 90% of its sales made to the private nursing home and healthcare sector and the other 10% to the retail and hotel sectors. 

The company has annual turnover of £7m and employs 70 people. It has seen an increase in turnover by 45% to date in 2008 and this is anticipated to increase once improvements in the manufacturing process take effect.     

Mr Higgins, managing director at Shackletons, said: “The additional unit allows us to bring our manufacturing process under one roof in line with company expansion plans. The new unit allows us to increase capacity whilst staying onsite putting us in a position of strength to gain a bigger market share which is vital in today’s competitive environment. 

The past 12 months have been remarkable and we expect that this will continue as we push forward through 2008.”

Funding was provided by the RBS commercial banking team. 

RBS relationship manager David Hodgson said: “Shackletons is a well established local business that has gone from strength-to-strength. Acquiring this unit is another positive step in the company’s progression and will undoubtedly benefit both the customer and the company’s future opportunity for growth.

“We wish Martyn and his team every success and look forward to supporting them as they move forward.”