Maryport’s West Port has invested over £190,000 in a new machine to help it grow.
The manufacturer of timber windows and doors was established in 1997 and has grown from a small joinery workshop into a nationally renowned manufacturing business.
Today, West Port operates from a 175,000sq ft purpose-built facility, supplying products to clients including Center Parcs, public sector organisations, and luxury hotels across the UK.
To manufacture doors and windows on a large scale, West Port relies on state-of-the-art machines and technology.
However, after more than 20 years of operation, some of its equipment had aged significantly, make it less productive and energy efficient.
This impact on productivity was compounded in recent years by rising energy costs which placed further pressure on the business. West Port’s annual electricity bill has substantially increased.
To address these challenges, West Port decided to upgrade some of its older machinery, starting with its CNC machine.
One of the most important pieces of equipment in the fire door business, the CNC machine is used for making precision cuts in wood.
To help fund the purchase, West Port applied to a Cumbria Business Growth Hub grant scheme, funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund, provided through Cumberland Council.
After a straightforward application process, West Port were awarded £96,177.60 covering 50% of the costs of the machine.
Now in operation, the new CNC machine is already having a huge impact on the business, the firm said.
It features a double bed loader, allowing work to continue seamlessly. While one door is being machined, the next can be loaded, ensuring continuous production. This feature, combined with the machine’s modern components, means it can produce more doors while using much less electricity.
Sean Parnaby, managing director at West Port, said: “This investment is the start of a replacement programme for the machines we have in the factory, without the support of Cumbria Business Growth Hub the investment would take longer in time and is critical to the success of the fire door business.
“This particular CNC is a replacement within our door department and will increase the capacity level and reduce the energy usage. “
Lesley Robinson, head of business support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “Manufacturing businesses like West Port are vital to Cumbria’s economy, and it’s fantastic to see how the grant has helped them enhance efficiency and remain at the cutting edge of their industry.”
People are urged to sign up to the chamber’s business support newsletter at www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk to keep informed on future funding opportunities.
