UK Gasket maker’s ‘state-of-the-art’ facility to supply the global water treatment industry
A leading UK gasket manufacturer is set to unveil a new hi-tech production facility designed to supply the water treatment industry with innovative sealing products.
J.A. Harrison’s new, £2.8million (€3.2 million) installation houses the technology, machinery and manufacturing processes to create specialised sealing products for water treatment plants. It also incorporates a tightly controlled supply chain that ensures the facility meets the industry’s stringent safety and quality requirements.
Located in Oldham, Manchester, the new facility backed by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Growth Company is set to open on 10 November.
The 38,000 square foot (3530 square metre) design incorporates computerised industrial presses, lathes, ovens and cyber-safe security systems, as well as significant efficiencies to cut lead times and down-time at water treatment plants. Enhanced handling, packaging, storage, cleaning, waste control and review methods are also in place to ensure J. A. Harrison supplies uncontaminated products.
J.A Harrison’s new production plant has recently obtained ISO 9001 -2015, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 accreditations, meaning it can start to supply products directly to water treatment projects around the world. The company already counts major chemical and medical organisations, such as Siemens, Dow Chemicals and the NHS (UK National Health Service) among the clients for its range of bespoke and standard-dimension gaskets.
“Contamination, safety of products and security of systems are big issues for customers in the water treatment industry. This facility addresses them all and many more,! said Keith Sheperd, managing director of J.A. Harrison.
"It is a flagship facility for our industry and gives us the scope to produce gasket and seals for the biggest water treatment projects in the world. We’re delighted it is now operational.”
The installation’s official opening is expected to be attended by the UK’s Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and officials from the Bank of England. It will also see the launch of an apprenticeship scheme, a new website and the rebranding of J.A. Harrison to appeal more directly to overseas users of it products.
