A LEADING manufacturer of extraction systems for top-quality kitchens has found the recipe for continued success.
Westin Design, based at Leeds Road in Huddersfield, employs 30 people in sales, design and manufacturing at its Phoenix Mills site.
Products include standard hoods and built-in units, custom hoods and built-in units, fans, panels and splash backs.
The company, which was founded in 1921, worked with Huddersfield University and another firm, PlasmaClean Ltd, to test and evaluate technology for use in the domestic kitchen sector.
The project, which was backed by an Innovation Voucher from Kirklees Council, included designing and building a test facility at Westin’s factory, building and testing prototype production units, researching the market and launching a marketing campaign.
The innovative project included an analysis of research and development by academic institutions relating to similar technology in the commercial sector.
A key driver in the project was future building regulations concerning sustainability, energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
The project involved the company providing specialist manpower to tackle product design, building test facilities, carrying out testing, evaluating the results, manufacturing prototypes and marketing.
New technology and innovation have been integral to the company’s strategy for delivering the next stage of Westin’s growth and development.
The initiative is set to help Westin establish a market lead over its competitors, increase market share, improve profitability and enhance its reputation as a leading innovator in its field.
Earlier this year, the company took another step forward by making a major appointment.
Ian Sheppard – who has extensive experience of finance and operations – was appointed managing director in succession to John Reed, who retired after 16 years with the company during which time he was credited as the force behind many of its key developments.
