Site merger sees 600 UK start manufacture of key product

The firm, part of 600 Group, closed the Halifax site and moved operations to its larger Heckmondwike base as part of a turnaround strategy after the group made an 8m annual loss last June.

Alan Jenkin, Pratt Burnerd product manager, said: "Merging the two sites of Halifax and Heckmondwike was logical for us."

Manufacturing operations for its Colchester-Harrison manual and CNC lathe ranges and Pratt Burnerd chucks are based at Heckmondwike. The company also has bases in Colchester and Letchworth.

Pratt Burnerd exports its products across the globe, including the USA, mainland Europe and the Far East.

It also produces bespoke and extra heavy-duty chucks specifically for individual customers, including a giant 42-inch chuck for a European customer.

Mr Jenkin said: "This really demonstrates 600 UK's versatility as a manufacturer.

"We have always had a strong reputation for batch production, but we also manufacture special applications to customers' individual specifications. This capability is something we have brought with us to Heckmondwike and our customers know that everything is made here in West Yorkshire."

Last month, shareholders in 600 Group backed a 2m fundraising after expenses, through a loan from its biggest shareholder Haddeo Partners to expand the group as it completes the final stage of its turnaround.

The group said it saw a 31 per cent rise in orders in the first three months of its new financial year.

Haddeo is keen to develop 600 through acquisitions, which are likely to be UK-based and will enhance the group's diversification beyond machine tools into areas such as precision engineered components, laser marking, mechanical handling and waste management.