Brose UK’s new £35m factory in Coventry took another major step forward this week when the first part of the building was completed and handed over to the company.
Managing Director Juergen Zahl added the final panel to the new logistics department, a 2,500m2 dedicated area that will help the firm centralise its transport operations.
More than 300 people have been recruited so far to work in the new facility, which will be responsible for producing more than ½ million lightweight rear seat systems for Jaguar Land Rover every year.
This means the mechatronic systems and electric motors specialist now employs 900 people.
“We are very pleased with the progress of the building, which will double our production capacity in the UK,” explained Juergen.
“The frame of the building was completed in the middle of October and we have now been able to move our logistics department into a small part of the new building. It is intended that our dedicated ‘rear seating systems’ production line will be fully operational by the start of the year.”
He continued: “This facility will be one of the most advanced in the Brose Group, with the latest robotic welding technology and full traceability. We expect the first composite seat components will be delivered to Jaguar Land Rover in 2016.
“Furthermore, we will also be installing a new automated line that removes the need to manually handle the larger rear seat systems during production – this is another major advancement.”
Brose UK’s decision to build the 11,400m2 facility has been supported by £3m of funding from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
Once complete, the site in Colliery Lane in Exhall will house the entire seating systems operation with the window regulator side of the business housed at its existing site in Courtaulds Way, near the centre of Coventry.
This puts the German family-owned company in an ideal position to complete existing contracts with Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Toyota, whilst also looking to secure work on new model platforms being introduced.
“Back in 2009, we employed about 120 people so our growth has been substantial and in keeping with the UK automotive sector’s success,” continued Juergen.
“The recruitment doesn’t stop there. We will need another 100 people in the next twelve months and are also looking to take on more apprentices that we can put through our internal training academy.”
G F Tomlinson is the company building the new factory and is on course to hand over the keys on time and to budget.