Windles moves to new eco factory

Print Solutions GreenPrint

Windles Group Manufacturing has moved to a new, purpose built £5 million factory after outgrowing its previous home, where it had been forced to build new mezzanine floors to accommodate its growth.

The firm, which was founded in 1986 by managing director Bruce Podmore, specialises in the manufacturing and printing of greetings cards, point of display and packaging materials, and has a particular expertise in cold foil printing, a process which it pioneered.

The business has seen steady annual growth of around 5% in recent years by winning market share and introducing novel new printing processes.

Windles expanded to fill five separate units at its previous home in Oxfordshire, which housed UV litho B1 printing presses, a holographic varnish press and several finishing machines enabling in-house hot foiling, embossing, die cutting and glittering amongst others.

Marketing manager Michelle Mills said, ‘When we first moved to the previous site in 1989 we took one unit. Over time we expanded into five units with different departments in different buildings, which wasn’t very efficient.

‘A lot of man hours were taken up by moving pallets of materials from one building to the next as they went through the printing and finishing processes, which we had to do come rain or shine.

‘Bringing everything under one roof has generated operational time savings and improved quality control and communication throughout the business. It has also enabled us to be in an environmentally impressive and sustainable building.’

The new factory in Thame, Oxfordshire, has increased capacity from 26,000 square feet to 45,000 square feet enabling future growth.

The investment has been supported by an invoice discounting facility from Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance which helped to finance the build, alongside a working capital facility and subsequently a £2.6 million term loan from Lloyds Bank’s key markets manufacturing team.

Windles recycle disused wooden pallets to create briquettes, some of which are donated to staff and members of the local community to heat their homes, while the rest are burnt in a furnace to heat the factory, reducing the heating bill by 24%.

Michelle added, ‘We planned the move for months and worked closely with our customers to minimise disruption.

‘Our relationship with Lloyds goes back decades. The bank has actively supported the business and has been very flexible.’

Steve Cox, relationship director, manufacturing, transport and logistics at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: ‘Windles had outgrown its prior home and needed to find a new one if it was to keep growing, and we were pleased to have supported its ambitions by providing this financial package.

‘This expansion underlines our commitment to supporting dynamic, well managed businesses that are innovating and creating employment opportunities for local people.’

Michelle Mills of Windles with Steve Cox of Lloyds Bank Commercial banking at Windles Group in Thame, Oxfordshire.