Technical fabrics manufacturer buys its site after 20 years
A SOMERSET manufacturing firm that has supplied ventilator fabrics during the coronavirus pandemic has bought its Bridgwater premises after almost 20 years of operating at the site.
Nonwovenn specialises in creating technical fabrics that are widely used across the medical, industrial, packaging and protective clothing sectors.
Throughout the pandemic the business has supplied frontline medical equipment for the manufacturing of ventilator fabrics.
The company has used a £6.6m funding package from Lloyds Bank to secure ownership of its production site on Bath Road, where it has operated since 2003.
The business has also used the loan to invest in new technology that will allow it to increase its range of products and its annual volume, giving it the capacity to achieve its future growth plans.
Nonwovenn’s chairman David Lamb said the investment would help “strengthen the business for the long term”.
He said: “Securing the building for the long-term has generated a positive vibe throughout the workforce and reaffirms our commitment to a people-first approach to business.
“We’re a niche manufacturing business and our clients often approach us with a problem they need us to solve.
“It’s vital that we continue to invest in new technology that allows us to meet the growing demands of our wide-ranging customer base.”
Jonathan Szabo, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “The business operates in fast-moving markets, delivering a unique product offering to blue-chip customers around the world.
“Securing the business premises and investing in technology to aid future growth puts the business in an exciting position.”
Nonwovenn currently employs more than 210 people and has experienced 12 years of continued growth in sales, generating revenue of more than £20m. Some 70% of its products are shipped overseas to more than 40 countries.