A Kirklees firm has spelt out how investment in lean manufacturing and research and development has helped boost its market share.
Specialist furniture manufacturer Shackletons welcomed Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell to its headquarters at Weaving Lane, Dewsbury, to show how the company is forging ahead in meeting the needs of the care sector.
The Conservative MP was given a tour of the site by operations manager Michael Bentley where he found out about the company’s innovations in production line management and product design.
He also had opportunity to speak to some of its skilled and experienced furniture craftsmen.
Mr Reevell said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to the Shackletons factory. It was so interesting to see a company like Shackletons, well-known for its long-standing reputation for traditional furniture-making and values, meeting the challenges of business in the 21st century.
“I was particularly impressed by how the skilled workforce has adapted to modern production techniques. The current expansion is a great success story, not only for the company itself, but also for the regional economy and the local population from which it recruits its workforce.”
Shackletons managing director Martyn Higgins said: “We were very eager to demonstrate to Mr Reevell how our company is setting a national standard. It was a huge compliment when he likened our operations to those of Nissan and serves to confirm our belief that lean manufacturing should play a key role in a business like ours.”
Shackletons have been in business for more than 50 years and is a leading provider of specialist furniture. The firm employs 70 people at its manufacturing and operations site in Dewsbury and its retail site at Bradford Road, Batley.
