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For more information contact:
Paul Wenden
Tel. +44 1206 222 633
paul.wenden@flaktwoods.com
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Today (22.09.06) Bob Russell, member of Parliament for Colchester officially opened Fläkt Woods’ new headquarters and manufacturing facilities at Axial Way Colchester, known as Project Genesis.
The Company’s move to the new site is significant, as it heralds a new start for the Colchester manufacturing operations and a huge Group investment and commitment to the UK.
With UK sales, up 7% on last years orders, the investment has already proved itself. Outlay in equipment alone has been far-reaching, through the multi million pound purchase of an exclusive range of machines to the HVAC market. These will allow the Company to plasma cut, spin, seam weld and paint products like never before, providing world class products to their global customers.
"As a Group, we can now offer a full range of products and solutions for buildings ventilation, air treatment and industrial air movement" says Neil Yule, Sales and Marketing Director "we believe that this capability gives us a clear advantage over other companies in what is still a generally fragmented industry".
As well as machinery, the Company has invested heavily in racking and shelving to take advantage of the height of the facility. New open plan offices, complete with new desks and chairs, have also brought a spirit of camaraderie that was never achievable in the 1950’s office block that was previously our headquarters building.
"The ongoing transformation of Fläkt Woods is the key to maintaining our ability to win contracts globally" continued Mr Yule "the move has propelled the Company into a new era with ambitions to control the European air movement industry, through acquisition and development".
Before declaring the building officially open, Mr Didier Forget, Chief Executive Officer, Fläkt Woods Group said "On behalf of the Flakt Woods Group, we are delighted to now be fully operational in our new facility, built with the valued support of a number of the people here present. This new facility is now the Centre of Excellence for axial fans within the Flakt Woods Group, forming part of a network of over 20 manufacturing units around the world. The Woods brand has long been associated with Colchester and the move to this new facility marks the start of a new and exciting phase in that association. I am also very grateful to the many customers that have taken the time out of their busy schedules to be with us today".
Mr Forget continued "Your support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to providing you with world class solutions to your ventilation problems for many years to come. And finally, on behalf of the Flakt Woods Group executive team I would like to extend our congratulations and sincere thanks to our Colchester employees. Moving a factory of this size, particularly one that had been operating from its previous location for over 60 years, is a significant challenge. Despite the many difficulties and challenges that they faced along the way, they have maintained their energy, enthusiasm and good spirit throughout, and they should all feel rightly proud of what they have achieved. We are very grateful to them all".
Fläkt Woods prides itself on some of the most famous brand names in the industry, the Group now has operations in over 30 countries, more than 2,500 employees and an annual turnover in the region of €460 million for 2006.
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