Firm gets new grant to stay at the cutting edge
Two mitre saws have been bought by engineering manufacturer
A MANUFACTURER in Peckleton is the first group to receive a new grant.
Precision engineering firm KJN Automation has received a Business Growth Grant of £19,000, which helped buy two mitre saws for cutting carbon fibre and aluminium profiles.
The business is a leading supplier of extruded aluminium profiles and accessories, supplying to industries including aerospace, motorsport, web and medical companies.
The grants are being handed out by the Business Gateway Growth Hub, a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
It is run in partnership with Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.
Just before the coronavirus lockdown, KJN was about to launch its new carbon fibre product within the company portfolio.
After a short period of being closed the company is open again, albeit in a staged manner, and bosses hope to soon get things moving again.
Richard Andrews, project consultant at KJN, said: ”Like most businesses, we also had to cease works during Covid-19, but hopefully having these saws already in place will allow us to get back up and running sooner than most.
“We are also looking to move into larger premises in the near future, so being able to access this grant to support a small business like ours enabled us to expand much faster than we would normally.
“The increase in productivity and product portfolio also allowed us to employ locally again which supports the area.”
The firm’s products are used for modular systems, enclosures and desks, with the new saws helping increase productivity and reduce delivery times.
Jon Edley, Growth Hub manager, said: “Businesses have needed more support than ever before during this difficult period.
“Our grants can help in the rebuilding and recovery of local SMEs, particularly those wanting to diversify into new areas.
“We also signpost businesses to all the other types of finance options they can access.
“It’s great to see KJN Automation back up and running and we’ll do everything we can to support them and other local businesses as we come out of this pandemic.”
KJN has also received funding for a new website and personal computers from the Digital Growth Programme, another project part-funded by the slowly
ERDF.
Businesses looking for help with funding for development can contact the Business Gateway on 0116 366 8487, email growthhub@bizgateway. org.uk or visit the project’s website.