Made in Britain member, Formica Group, the original inventor of High Pressure Laminate (HPL), officially opened its European HQ on the North Shields site on 6th June.
To celebrate the opening of the new head office and improved manufacturing plant, dignitaries, customers and the media were invited to usher in the next era of Formica Group’s 104-year-old history. As part of its strategy to grow the business and remain competitive, Formica Group is investing £40million into staff and facilities in its strongest market, the UK, over the next three years.
Peter Rush, President of Formica Group Europe, comments: “When it comes to UK manufacturing, we know Formica Group has the credentials to be a world leader. As the only global laminate brand the investment is a step forward in fulfilling our potential. In addition to improving our laminate production we are also focused on increasing our sales, as the doubling of our UK sales team indicates.”
Made in Britain CEO John Pearce attended the launch event and has been working closely with Joe Bell, Regional Marketing Manager and his team at Formica Group. John believes the partnership is all about the advantage in sales, marketing and PR of declaring and emphasizing your UK proveance: “Building upon its 100 year legacy, Formica Group’s investment is about increasing its UK market share and providing stability both in terms of pricing and manufacturing. The Made in Britain marque reminds everyone who sees it how crucial successful manufacturing in the UK is right now.”
The investment sees the installation of new machinery and technology to create a state-of-the-art laminate manufacturing plant in North Shields, which is celebrating over 70 years of operation this year.
The investment also sees Formica Group HQ return to its original UK location on Coast Road, having been relocated to Cobalt Business Park in 2008. The art-deco Formica building in North Shields which opened in 1946 has been refurbished to become the company’s new European HQ, having formally been the UK HQ. The manufacturing operation is now centralised and under the same roof as the sales, marketing and management teams. In addition, a new Fabrication Support Unit training area and programme is being launched to assist Formica Group’s customers.
By Made in Britain 6 years ago | By Made in Britain