Major expansion for specialist materials handling company

Date published: 05 October 2019

Having doubled turnover in two years and a full order book, manufacturing company KP Industries has moved into new premises at Kingsway, Rochdale, with a large manufacturing and office complex, and a smaller second unit for testing and development.

The new premises were officially opened on Thursday 3 October by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin.

Owner and Chief Executive Phil Cornell is determined to keep the company within Rochdale, particularly in view of the position of the new premises adjacent to the M62 motorway, allowing ease of access for employees, customers and suppliers.

Allan Hodgeon, who has been with the company for six years, has become Managing Director with Mr Cornell’s move to C.E.O. 

Phil Cornell CEO of KP Industries said: “I have to say how delighted I am to be bringing the KPI team to Kingsway Business Park.

“These state-of-the-art premises give us the platform to deliver our vision of being world-class.

“It is also important to provide the best first impression as possible for our customers and Kingsway certainly delivers on that.”

From a new start up in 2003, KPI has developed into one of the country’s leading manufacturers of specialised material handling equipment.

The company has developed from small beginnings, gaining quality and environmental qualifications and the ability to qualify and test their own manufactured equipment by now gaining membership of The Lifting Equipment Manufacturers’ Association.

The company has always worked closely with Rochdale Council and business hub with training and apprentices and business development.

With the new development, KPI will increase turnover with existing orders by approximately 25% during the coming year, with a pro-rata increase in staff numbers.

With prestigious clients around the country and overseas, KPI is going from strength to strength. Household names such as JCB, Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley Cars, Bombardier and Leyland Trucks are amongst the growing list of clients.

The diversity of product range and the experience of specialist design engineers has assisted the continual growth of the company, offering solutions to complex materials handling projects. 

Also working within the nuclear industry, KPI has developed resources and experience to offer a progressive team culture to respond to the necessarily arduous requirements of that industry.

With the new world-class facility, KPI is determined to be a world-class manufacturer of materials handling equipment.