Anochrome Ltd, an electroplating and coatings specialist, has significantly enhanced its environmental credentials and increased capacity by investing more than £2 million in its Walsall site. The industry leader has spent £1.3 million on ‘state of the art’ new equipment and more than £600,000 to modernise a large bay.
Steve Norman, Group UK divisional director at Anochrome Group, said the new plant will boost production capacity by at least 50%, while the new-look bay will reduce energy costs and provide much-improved working conditions for employees.
Meanwhile, the front façade of the building has also been completely revamped, along with the reception area, making it more welcoming for staff and visitors. The total investment figure is in the region of £2.3 million. Anochrome is one of the largest electroplating and coatings specialists in the UK, processing tens of millions of components every week and dealing predominantly with Tier One automotive suppliers.
Mr Norman said: “This investment will bring significant benefits to both our customers and our people. It’s an important moment for the business, which demonstrates our commitment to continued growth while being environmentally responsible. The revamped bay was where we kept all our scrap and redundant equipment. That area has been completely overhauled and is now an energy-friendly, modern unit fit for the future.
“The new plant is the most advanced of its kind in the UK and utilises Best Available Techniques (BAT) to reduce environmental impact. It will help us service all our OEMs’ technical specifications, while minimising our environmental footprint. It is an exciting time to be part of Anochrome as we push forward and target strategic growth.”
All asbestos was removed from the old bay and replaced with the latest energy-rated cladding. New floors, doors and lights were installed, while the whole unit was rewired. The improvements will reduce Anochrome’s carbon footprint by lowering energy consumption and decreasing the amount of carbon being released. Furthermore, underfloor heating is set to be installed in the loading areas to improve working conditions for the company’s employees.
With the bay work largely complete, the new plant is due to arrive this month ready for commissioning during March. As well as being more efficient, the machinery will allow Anochrome to reduce the chemistry used in its processes, which include zinc, zinc phosphate and zinc nickel plating and Cathodic E-coating, as well as powder coating. Once fully operational in April, the company’s current plant will be decommissioned.
Mr Norman concluded: “This investment has been two years in the planning, so it is tremendous to see it come to fruition. Anochrome is a company rich in history and heritage but this investment will future-proof us for decades to come.”