The construction of a new foundry for Hampshire-based MRT Castings Ltd (www.mrt-castings.co.uk) — a leading supplier of pressure die casting, gravity die casting and sand casting products — is well under way in Andover.

The new 20,000ft² facility is only 100 yards from the existing site and signals the start of an ambitious new chapter for the company.

In addition to moving all of its existing foundry machinery into the new building, MRT will be investing in new equipment and capabilities to provide a platform for the next phase of its development.

One key item — due to be installed in September — is a 250-tonne fully automated die-casting cell from Italian manufacturer Colosio, which will enable MRT to transform the quality, precision and productivity of its processes.

While the new site will focus on developing the foundry side of the business, all CNC machining, finishing and assembly functions will remain in their current locations.

However, the space vacated by the old foundry will provide the opportunity for the company to redevelop its machining facilities over the next few years.

Managing director Phil Rawson said: “The new foundry underlines our commitment toproviding our customers with the most flexible, productive and technologically advanced die-casting facilities in the UK, while providing an exciting world-class workplace for our valued team.

"We are planning to open the doors to the new foundry in the autumn and will be looking to ensure that everything is fully operational by the end of the year.”