News: Panel Systems invests in Rotherham facility

Panel Systems, a leading manufacturer of decorative and composite panels, is celebrating opening a dedicated CNC machining and cutting services factory at Waleswood in Rotherham, after securing a grant of £90,000 via the Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

Panel Systems Ltd, which operates from Parkwood Industrial Estate in Sheffield and at Waleswood Industrial Estate in Rotherham, is in its 40th year and specialises in the production of high quality panels for a wide range of industries, from caravan production, construction, craft through to children's playgrounds.

The company has made a total investment of £150,000 in plant and equipment at Waleswood, forming a dedicated new CNC Machining & Cutting services division. The investment includes the latest 3-axis and 5-axis machines which offer precision cutting, routing and machining for a full range of board materials.

The company has also established two other dedicated divisions – Architectural & Composite Panels based at Parkwood Industrial Estate and Foam Fabrication & Distribution also based at Waleswood Industrial Estate.

Establishing the three dedicated divisions has also led to the creation of ten new roles across its business in the last three months.

Chris Ibbotson, managing director of Panel Systems, said: "This is a very exciting time for our business. With three clear dedicated divisions, we have ambitious plans for the future, based on our expertise and use of the latest technology.

"We are delighted to have been awarded Regional Growth Fund (RGF) funding from the LEP's "Unlocking Business Investment" programme which has enabled us to invest in our new factory and it is fantastic to be able to create new jobs here in Sheffield in our 40th year."

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership secured £32m from the Government to run the "Unlocking Business Investment" programme and provide grants of between £25,000 and £2m to support companies using their own funding to make direct business investments that ultimately lead to creating sustainable, private sector jobs. Business investments include capital projects which involve investment in equipment, machinery and tools; alterations to land and/or premises to meet the needs of the business. Grants can also be used to support new research and development.

The programme was fully committed in August but further funding is expected to come forward through the £325m Growth Deal that was signed off by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, yesterday.

Panel Systems website
Sheffield City Region website

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News: Panel Systems invests in new equipment

Panel Systems has made an investment of £75,000 in new sanding equipment to enhance the quality of its fabrication service and to open up the opportunity to enter new markets.

The investment will help Panel Systems to develop new market opportunities that require the ability to bond thin or gloss materials to lightweight cores, such as Styrofoam.

Panel Systems Ltd, which operates from Parkwood Industrial Estate in Sheffield and at Waleswood Industrial Estate in Rotherham, has over 35 years' experience in the production of high quality panels for a wide range of industries, from caravan production, construction, craft through to children's playgrounds.

The company is one of the UK's leading suppliers of Styrofoam, which is a structural core material used in the manufacture of Composite Panels, as well as diverse markets including construction, caravans and refrigerated trucks. They have extensive resources, including the latest CNC technology for the fabrication, machining and engraving of boards.

The new equipment will enhance Panel System's services and mean the company can deliver improved surface finishes and thickness tolerances, producing sheet thickness down to as little as 2mm. The company will also be able to provide on-line grooving of Styrofoam sheets, which is widely used in the manufacture of very large panels, such as truck sides.

Chris Ibbotson, Managing Director at Panel Systems, said: "We are really excited about the benefits this investment will bring to our existing and new customers and what it will mean for us as a business. It will open up major opportunities in new markets such as furniture and digital printing.

"As the only UK manufacturer with this capability, this gives us a great opportunity in the marketplace to provide an even better product specification."

Yorkshire Bank has supported Panel Systems' investment in new equipment. Jean Shearer, Yorkshire Bank's South Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) business partner, said: "Panel Systems is part of a trend among businesses to invest in upgrading systems and services to remain ahead of the field as the economy continues to grow. Yorkshire Bank South Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) is pleased to have helped the company as part of our Investing for Growth initiative.

"Yorkshire Bank has £2bn to lend in Yorkshire in the coming months and we are committed to ensuring that it reaches enterprises which can drive growth in their area."

Panel Systems website
Yorkshire Bank website

Images: Panel Systems

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