C&O Powder Coatings in Liverpool city region has been trading for around 35 years and employs more than 40 people and is investing £630,000 in new production line. Tony McDonough reports
A Merseyside family firm that produces a special powder coating in demand from the construction industry has invested £630,000 in a new production line.
C&O Powder Coatings in St Helens has been trading for around 35 years and employs more than 40 people. Powder coating is a dry finishing process for surfaces that has become extremely popular in the construction sector.
Because no solvents are present, the coating, which is used to create protective and attractive finishes on various materials, is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional liquid paints.
Typically C&O’s products include aluminium roofing, cladding fabrications, air distribution products and solar shading systems.
To keep up with growing demand, and to improve efficiencies and reduce waste, C&O is investing in new high-specification powder coating line at their workshop in Sutton. The new equipment is considered among the best available in the current marketplace.
Director have secured £300,000 of funding from Lombard Asset Finance and will is finding the remains £330,000 from its own funds. They believe the investment will futureproof the business and facilitate its growth plans.
The change has reduced the current four-line set up to just two lines, helping to futureproof the business and boost sales levels, which in turn will create more jobs. Total cost of the project includes commissioning and installation of the new line.
Tom Holmes, managing director of C&O, said: “Without question, construction is booming at present, with demand for powder coating being the preferred finish of choice in many situations.
“We offer our services primarily to the architectural market, coating various metal components and fabrications and have worked on national and international projects. With this, we understand that we need to keep up with our clients’ demand for quality and service.
“We’re confident that, with this new investment, we’ll be able to continue delivering on these requirements for our clients, by offering quicker, cost-effective, and sustainable powder coating services.”
Kevin McGowan, relationship manager at Lombard Asset Finance, added: “It’s highly rewarding to support such a successful family business as it introduces more sustainable operations while remaining committed to delivering fantastic opportunities for both their clients and employees.”