Company invests to double production

ONE of the world’s largest foam producers has made a multi-million-pound investment in a second manufacturing line at its Oldham factory.

Carpenter plc will double production of polyester fibre, widely used as deep loft insulation and in the upholstery and bedding industries, at the Bee Mill, Shaw Road, Royton.

The fibre is made from recycled plastic bottles, greatly reducing the amount being sent to landfill.

Managing director Ian Leicester said: “Fibre sales have risen by 20 per cent in the UK so this investment is one that will enable us to service a growing demand for the product.

“Such a significant investment also demonstrates our commitment to future production.”

The machine was shipped from America in 25 containers weighing in excess of 50 tonnes.

Covering approximately 1,500 square metres, the machine can produce more than 100,000 square metres of fibre a day.

Carpenter is also investing in another mattress machine that compresses and rolls finished mattresses, making it possible to fit all sizes of mattresses into a standard carry home box, reducing the amount of packaging used and allowing more to be transported, reducing the carbon footprint.

Carpenter is an American-owned company with a significant UK operation including large premises in Oldham, Glossop, Alfreton and Hengoed.

l Carpenter is also converting foam mattresses from prisons across the UK into underlay, saving the Prison Service more than £5 million over five years in disposal costs.

“This is the first scheme of its kind and has never been done anywhere in the world.

“We are delighted to be a part of it and to be able to make such an impact on waste management,” says Richard Harris, key account sales manager for Carpenter.

Under a new contract agreement with the Prison Service, mattresses are collected, granulated and recycled to produce polyurethane carpet underlay which is then sold all over the UK, Canada and America.