Steps to success for stairlift maker
A leading stairlift manufacturer benefited from Bradford Council support when it purchased new equipment to expand its product range and create dozens of new jobs.
Acorn Stairlifts has successfully launched a new line of curved stairlifts to complement its range of straight rail models. Manufacturing was brought in-house to reduce production times and improve quality.
LEGI funding enabled Bradford Council's enterprise scheme Kickstart to provide Acorn with ongoing advice and support to help their continued expansion. This included the initiation of a new skills programme through Train to Gain as well as an introduction to the local Knowledge Transfer Partnership at the University of Bradford.
Funding was also provided to support the company's purchase of new equipment. This investment has resulted in the creation of 85 new jobs including CAD technicians, skilled machine operators and production operatives.
Enterprise Programme Manager, Robert Campbell, said: "Supporting companies is vital when they are making significant investment in their business and creating new jobs."
The present operation has grown significantly from Acorn's humble beginnings in the early nineties when the company had just a handful of employees operating from a small Bradford office.
It is now an international company whose main headquarters and manufacturing facilities remain in Bradford, with other sales and distribution centres in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand. Acorn currently employs more than 1,000 people worldwide with in excess of 500 based within the Bradford district. Group turnover stands at £70m.
Dave Belmont, Company Secretary at Acorn Stairlifts, said: "We very much appreciate the assistance provided by Invest in Bradford in the past and look forward to continuing our cooperation in the future."
For more information about Acorn Stairlifts ring 01535 291 000 or visit www.acornstairlifts.co.uk
To find out more about Bradford Kickstart, call the free information line on 0800 953 9503.
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