Lancashire based machinery manufacturer MattressTek has signed an agreement with Lancashire landlord BE Boys to expand into the neighbouring unit at to their existing one, at Forest Mill in Water, taking their footprint from 16,000 sq ft to almost 22,000 sq ft – an increase of more than 6,000 sq ft.
The well-respected brand, known for its preventative approach to innovative problem solving in factory automation, mainly for the mattress manufacturing and foam processing sectors, expanded the industrial unit at its single facility that it moved when they originally relocated back in 2019, moving from Altham near Blackburn from a site in Accrington.
This means that their factory – currently the shop floor used to accommodate the fabrication, build and electrical departments, along with an office, meeting room and break-out area – will allow the new unit to house a showroom for stand-out machines in its range, as well as those in development, ready for testing in anticipation of customer visits from the UK, US and across the globe and supporting their shipping operations to meet its international demand.
Technical director, Shaun Peel, said: “96% of their suppliers are based in Lancashire and we’re extremely proud to be to be a successful Lancashire brand, flying the flag internationally. Our growth and demand, to cater to our international customers, through our export pursuits, has meant that we kept our eyes out for a suitable space to physically expand. The fact that the unit next door at our current site became available is a great opportunity to further grow at our current location, following the addition of an office, canteen, stock store and mezzanine for our electrical team. We look forward to welcoming customers to our site from across America, Australia, Asia, Europe and here in the UK.”
They were recently Export finalists in the Red Rose Awards and unexpectedly won ‘Most Innovative Mattress Machinery Manufacturer 2023 – UK’ by SME News’ in their Business Elite Awards, after winning the Rossendale Business Awards for Made in Lancashire and Valley at Work back in November and the Insider North West International Trade Company of the Year (under £20m) in December. They are also now shortlisted Global Britain finalists in the MEN Business Awards which will take place on 11th May, along with the BusinessDesk Company of the Year Awards and Insider North West Made in the North West Awards in the Export and Digital Engineering and Technology categories.
They achieved the Defence Employment Recognition Scheme Bronze Award after signing, pledging and committing to the Armed Forces Covenant which supports the employment and positive promotion of the work and sacrifices of serving and veteran members of the forces. All of these accolades and successes further justify their position as a leader in the manufacturing machinery industries.
They have redeveloped their mattress border cutting machine to include a and stamp labelling element (BMCTek) which prints H and V symbols to represent handle or vent panels orientations respectively. The have also adapted their Stacker into a De-Stacker after a US customer re-envisioned its processes, and their Roll Slitter for use when re-rolling and slitting all manner of materials, from flooring, fabric, foam and polymer. The additions, which help to ensure accuracy and specific cutting and slitting, includes a blade sharpener, measuring rule, roll counter and secure-release handle. This popular machine has been used in various sectors of manufacturing, not just as part of the preparation and converting of materials and components used in the mattress manufacturing field. They were also commissioned to conceptualise, design, build and test a new divan border cutting and notching machine (MMCTek).
The business has seen growth in its turnover and workforce, along with expansion into sub-sectors such as foam processing and materials handling. Their integration of programmable technology and sensors into full production line enables the automation and ease of processing for its customers, as well as wider markets. This reinforces their differentiation in the market, where some manufacturers are still relying on manual processes by operators which risk monotony, high staff turnover, and health and safety incidents, and aligns them as an expert provider in the inevitable transitions in the face of Industry 4.0 and digital transformative technology. Whilst they are dedicated to their UK roots, 70% of their business is export, covering the US, Mexico, Australia, Asia and Europe, and new business enquiries from as far as UAE.
They recently attended a reception at the House of Lords, as a result of their position as a finalising in the International Trade category of The Manufacturer’s MX Awards, hosted by Lord Karan Bilimoria OBE DL, where the new OPUS directory was also launched featuring other celebrations of British manufacturing excellence. They have also been successful in being awarded a 50% funding claim from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT, formerly Department for International Trade) Internationalisation Fund, through their Northern Powerhouse division, supported by their local trade advisor, and are currently submitting a project for funding through Lancashire Manufacturing Growth Fund, guided by Boost and GC Business Growth Hub.
Their international growth shows no signs of slowing down, as they have just signed a deal with a US distribution agent – AtoZ Automation, a division of AtoZ Packaging Enterprises, Inc – and they are looking forward to showcasing their expanding range to expanding markets at Interzum at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany in May.
With the mattress production markets growing, alongside the foam processing and innovation capabilities, the team at MattressTek are optimistic and excited about the coming months and look forward to welcoming more customers, contacts and partners along the way.
If you would like to tell us about something and be featured in our news section, use the contact page and let us know.
