Local workers pioneer firm’s global system

VIP guests: Patrick Mathieu (centre) is welcomed to Chadderton by Tom McCreight (left) and Mike Rust

Employees at Oldham manufacturer Armacell UK Ltd are celebrating being chosen to pioneer a worldwide initiative for the multinational company.

The firm’s 100 Oldham staff welcomed Armacell chief executive officer Patrick Mathieu and chief technology officer Roberto Mengoli, who travelled from the company’s headquarters in Munster, Germany, to Chadderton Town Hall to introduce the new process improvement initiatives.

The UK arm of the business has been based in Mars Street, Chadderton since 1964 and is a leading producer of thermal insulation foams.

The new program will operate in Armacell’s 19 factories worldwide, following the Oldham plant’s launch of the process due to the experience of its manufacturing department.

The initiative will mean increased investment in the Oldham factory and additional training for the local employees.

In the 2012 financial year, the company had a gross annual turnover of around 475 million euros. The group has around 2,420 employees and 19 factories in 13 countries.

In addition to Armaflex, the leading brand in the field of flexible technical insulation, the company also produces thermoplastic insulation materials, covering systems, fire protection and noise control products, and special foams for a multitude of industrial applications.