As BEP has grown, it has doubled the size of its factory to 24,000 sq ft.
But increasing demand for electroplating – has encouraged BEP to expand its capacity further.
“Over the last 20 years we’ve played a long game and invested in electroplating copper, chrome and nickel,” Andrew explained. “We also benefit from having some of the largest grinding machines left in the UK and expanded our capability to machine components to very fine tolerances using lathes and polishers.
“However, our European competition have bigger electroplating tanks and can therefore handle larger components. This means UK business is going abroad for this service.
“I want to be able to compete with our rivals on the Continent – and that means investing in the future.”
To achieve this ambition, BEP needs to redesign its factory.
“The biggest challenge is that we need to know what our capabilities and limitations with both sites will be before investing in the project,” Andrew said. “Will it fit? How will it fit? How deep are the foundations? Where do we put the power supply? Can I get greater headroom from my crane? What is the capacity to expand? We need to know the answers to before we take the plunge.”