Blaenau Ffestiniog expands output capacity with new production machinery additions

REHAU’s UK manufacturing facility has expanded its processing capacity with the introduction of two new extrusion lines and a double-sided lamination line.

03.02.2023

The North-Wales-based plant has installed its sixth co-extrusion line, which became operational in November, while a new mono line will be up and running in December. The two additions follow the introduction of a double-sided lamination line at the start of this year – boasting simultaneous profile surface laminating capabilities.

The incorporation of the new lines is in response to increasing customer demand for mainframe white and laminated window frames. The facility’s ability to retain quality while increasing capacity was recognised when the facility achieved a 96.7% rating in a recent Lamination Target Process audit, conducted by technical experts from REHAU. The internal auditing processes at REHAU aid production facilities to achieve external standards, with plant Blaenau certified to ISO 14001, 9001 and 50001 governing environmental management, quality and energy-efficiency respectively.

Gwyn Jones, Plant Director at Blaenau Ffestiniog, commented: “The addition of these new lines has enabled us to bolster our output capacity and quickly manufacture non-standard profiles to meet demand. In extrusion, the expansion also let to the repositioning and grouping of production lines into relevant profiles to make plant processes more efficient and support the introduction of three new upcoming projects in the next year.
“Additionally, we have bolstered our workforce in order to support the running of our lamination lines five days a week, with the most technically experienced senior operators promoted to team leaders to ensure a dedicated team leader in lamination is available on each shift. Our new lines and strong workforce have allowed us to support the industry moving forward.”

Gwyn was recently promoted to his position as Plant Director from his previous role as the plant’s Production and Logistics Manager. This advancement marks the latest chapter of his 30-year career with REHAU which he started as an apprentice electrician at the plant and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to employee development.

On his promotion, Gwyn said: “I’m continuing to enjoy my new role, these past few months have given me the chance to enhance the service we provide for fabricators and streamline operations to ensure easy availability of polymer. I’ve been able to, with time and effort, carve my own path and I have to credit the company for that.”

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