A new engineering laboratory will provide facilities for product testing and development, while new stores and despatch areas will enhance customer response.The new production facilities will provide improved work flows, better opportunities for efficiency and extra capacity to meet the needs of a strong and growing UK and international order book.

The project involved completely rebuilding part of its main site and redeveloping the rest of the site to create an additional 12,000 sq ft of high-quality production space. The new factory will be opened by Tom and Henry Beakbane, sons of the founder, Renault Beakbane.

Beakbane is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of bellows and machinery protection systems, with nearly 60 years’ experience in keeping equipment safe, productive and reliable in hostile environments.

It also designs and manufactures high-quality fabrications for customers ranging from global machine tool companies to drinks vending suppliers and in recent years has built a strong and growing business in lightweight composite panels for the rail industry.

Beakbane has already moved its facility for machine tool fabrications into the new facilities, which has allowed it to release an older, less suitable, rented space and reduce overheads.

The new building also provides a completely new look for Beakbane, with a modern façade and entrance that underlines the fact that it is a forward-looking company providing innovative products. Reflecting the fact that thecompany is partly employee-owned, high-quality employee welfare facilities have also been a priority and include a new canteen and medical room.

The new building was designed by the award-winning Kidderminster practice Howl Associates, and the development was fast-tracked using a local development order, an initiative by Wyre Forest District Council to simplify the planning process and provide an incentive for businesses in the district to expand.

Mike Southwell, Managing Director of Beakbane, said: “This has been a very significant project for Beakbane and we are very pleased with the result. It is something that everyone in the company can be proud of and provides a firm base for our future growth.

“I have already had many positive comments on the appearance from customers and local business and am looking forward to utilizing the new space and improved facilities.”