GNG Group has completed the installation of automated machinery at its Wakefield plant, which should see a major production capacity boost.
The investment for its beds division should have taken place during the second half of last year, but was delayed due to the pandemic. The installation includes a new vacuum-packed mattress line, an automatic gluing line and an auto-dispatch facility.
It says will cement its expansion plans, and is of particular importance to its vacuum-packed Komfi mattress collection, which was launched last July.
‘The Active and Sensory ranges have got off to a flying start, and we have had a fantastic uptake, with orders exceeding our initial expectations. The current issues with foam and spring supplies continues to be a challenge, but these obstacles will be overcome in the months ahead, and, with this large-scale investment, we will be in the best possible shape to succeed in a very competitive marketplace,’ says Stuart Hibbert, Komfi’s sales director.
As an NHS approved supplier, GNG has remained fully operational during the pandemic, producing medical mattresses on a dedicated manufacturing line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Now, as demand eases, there is a renewed focus and confidence across all divisions, according to Philip Whittell, GNG chairman.
‘2021 is looking very positive for the group as a whole. With the arrival of this machinery and the freeing up of production lines, we will have a 400% increase in capacity. Going forward, this will allow us to provide an excellent level of service to our customers and quick delivery times. Covid has been a massive challenge to us all, but it has not only made us a leaner, more efficient operation.’
