Pennine makes multi-million pound investment in plant and machinery

>This landmark occasion marks the biggest expansion undertaken by the family-run business in its 45-year history, designed to boost production and efficiency in response to a growing order book, from manufacturers both at home and overseas, for its high performance chains.

>Pennine moved to its current location in 1983 and the expansion of the Skelmanthorpe facility adds another 25% of space to the company's workshop to accommodate the growth in demand for the company's conveyor chains, and plastic inclusions for materials handling machinery such as conveyor belt manufacturers, food processing systems and even those involved in bag handling.

>In addition to the factory extension and new production equipment, Pennine is launching the 2 Pin Conveyor chain for transporting hot bottles and jars at speeds of over 500 containers per min or 750,000 containers each day. It has also developed a range of 2 Pin Inverted Tooth Power Transmission chains capable of speeds and powers in excess of 2,000 metres/min and 335 KW.

>With over 60% of sales going overseas to around 60 countries worldwide, this latest investment in plant, machinery and new products is designed to drive the company forward by doubling turnover and helping it break into more new markets, including the United States.

>In addition to helping the UK's balance of payments, the company's ambitious development goals are also predicted to provide another boost to staffing levels of around 30% in the next five years - good news for the local economy.

>Despite the recession Pennine's workforce has already increased from 45 to 60 over the past five years and managing director Graham Hobbs, whose father Len started the business in 1969, is confident that the current investment project will help meet the company's growth targets, which in turn will generate the extra jobs.

>He said: "This is definitely the biggest expansion we have undertaken in terms of floor area and the number of jobs we expect to create in the future. Everything is now in place to improve our efficiencies and production. Our target is to double the company's turnover, utilising the infrastructure created to support sales of the products we'll be introducing to market."

>In 2018 Pennine will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, with the future economic outlook being very positive, this significant investment in a factory extension and new equipment, coupled with a reputation for engineering excellence, confirms forward-thinking Pennine as a market leader in conveying chains and sprockets for the glass and associated industries.