A substantial investment in highly sophisticated machinery marks the start of a new era for a Caerphilly company that specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of a wide range of standard and bespoke locker systems.
It will enable Garran Lockers – one of the longest established businesses of its kind in the UK – to increase capacity and productivity to meet the growing demand for its products and allow it to diversify into new markets.
The new equipment and programming software will provide the company with fully automated processes to create more complicated and bespoke designs of the highest quality.
Support from the Welsh Assembly Government for this investment forms part of a wider package that has helped the company develop and update its website to include an e-commerce facility, fund strategic market research to target new sectors and explore export opportunities in Scandinavia.
Despite difficult trading conditions Garran Lockers has won significant new business in the last few months from the public sector, including the MOD, local councils, several schools and five fire stations.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said it illustrated how the Assembly Government’s business support programmes are geared to provide solutions tailored to the individual needs of companies.
“Garran Lockers has benefited from the Single Investment Fund, relationship management through the Flexible Support for Business and International Business Wales. It is a good example of the range of help available to enable Welsh businesses become more competitive in a tough market.”
Managing Director David Lowe said the support had enabled them to reposition the company, which is one of a very small number of businesses in the UK offering a tailor made service from design through to manufacturing and installation.
“We are now looking to diversify into new markets, particularly the leisure market and the investment in this machinery will enable us to meet the high quality standard required.
“We are the only company in the UK using this robotic equipment which provides a superb finish, produces less waste and a more efficient use of power. It provides us with 21st century capabilities and the capacity to meet the increasing demand for our products.”
The company is already producing new models using solid wood laminate with aluminium carcasses for the leisure market enabling them to compete at the higher end of the spectrum supplying to sports centres, health clubs and luxury hotels.
“This investment supported by the Assembly Government is unlocking our potential and secures the long term future of the site and safe guards jobs. It means we can be more flexible, more competitive, and can diversify into markets other than lockers. It’s also good that despite the difficult economic climate we are doing very well, have a loyal customer base and plenty of repeat business.”
Garran Lockers, which was established in 1958 and employs 59 people, has built up a strong customer base which includes London Underground, the Metropolitan Police, Tesco, Debenhams, schools, golf clubs and more recently Heathrow Terminal 5.
The Assembly Government previously supported an investment by Garran Lockers in a new powder coating plant and new IT systems.
