Chesterfield manufacturers

CBE+ completes multi-million pound investment in Chesterfield manufacturing facility

Engineering supply chain solution provider CBE+ has completed the relocation of its five divisions together under one roof in a 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chesterfield.

The company, which employs 80 people, has been operating its services from two separate sites since 2017 when business owners Marie Cooper and Chris Brown acquired the 5 legacy businesses which make up CBE+ today.

CBE+ ENP – formerly Nitec UK – is the final company division to move its operations to the CBE+ headquarters, the former BG Engineering base in Chesterfield.

Five plating lines, blasting and heat treatment capabilities have now been installed on site, the £4m project is a major milestone for the business, solidifying its vision of “multiple capabilities under one roof“ and embarking on its journey to NET ZERO.

A major part of the investment included the installation of a combined heat and power system which captures the heat generated as a by-product of the electrical power generation and is used to provide heat energy for the surface treatment processes carried out in areas of the factory.  The CHP installation, along with a number of other energy saving initiatives, coupled with the benefits of operating from a single location, means CBE+ has managed to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50%.  In addition, a new effluent plant has been installed which filters and neutralises all waste chemistry generated on site used allowing environmentally safe disposal and recycling.

CEO Marie Cooper says: “Chesterfield has proved to be a fantastic home for our business, and our latest milestone is something we are proud of, along with our plans to continue this growth journey, supporting our customers and the local economy. It was fantastic to welcome over 40 people to look around our facility, and show how we support our customers.”

CBE+ technical director, Chris Brown, commented: “The goal has always been to have all our services under one roof, not only does this create one cohesive team, but it also makes it easier for our customers to access multiple services. Moving five engineering businesses onto a single site has been a five-year project, with a lot of people working together to make it happen, and I can’t thank the team enough for their hard work.

“Relocating our ENP division is the final piece in the jigsaw that will allow us to deliver capabilities beyond engineering from a single location, providing our customers with streamlined, stress-free supply chains. And the addition of the new combined heat and power and effluent systems is an exciting step on our journey to becoming a greener business, by significantly reducing the amount of waste and energy used on site.”

CBE+ was formed from the acquisition of BG Engineering in 2017 by Marie Cooper and Chris Brown. This acquisition was shortly followed by electroless nickel plating business Nitec UK Ltd and Spire Laboratories in 2017, then Pentag Gears and Oilfield Equipment in 2018. The Wire EDM facility was acquired in 2021.

Following a full business integration, the group rebranded as CBE+ in 2019, providing multidisciplinary engineering services to manufacturers in niche markets including aerospace, defence, automotive, oil and gas. The company provides electroless nickel plating (ENP), precision engineering, gear cutting and laboratory testing, wire EDM, assembly, surface treatment and pressure testing independently, but its real strength lies in the ability to combine multiple services, providing tailored solutions for customers and streamlining their supply chains.

Last week, the company opened its doors to customers, suppliers, and manufacturing businesses from the Made In network for breakfast, company presentations and a factory tour, followed by a walk-in session later in the day to showcase the CBE+ design and engineering capabilities.

CBE+ has opened its doors on numerous occasions to young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in support of Made In Chesterfield, a campaign inspiring the next generation to sectors such as manufacturing and construction.

Check out our recent blog on National Manufacturing Day 2o22, which celebrated some of the great activity taking place across the sector in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/07/chesterfield-celebrates-national-manufacturing-day-2022/

To find out more about the benefits of locating your business in Chesterfield, including great connectivity to the M1 motorway, rail network and nearby cities, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

CBE+ supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield celebrates National Manufacturing Day 2022

We are celebrating manufacturers across Chesterfield today, as National Manufacturing Day 2022 is marked around the UK.

If you look closely, you’ll discover there is a strong manufacturing network in Chesterfield, helping to provide quality jobs, skills and growth to the local economy.

Destination Chesterfield helps to support the sector, by hosting the regular Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum.

The idea for Manufaturing Day 2022 came from Make UK, the manufacturers organisation. CEO Stephen Phipson commented: “This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope this first National Manufacturing Day will give people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”

We’ve pulled together a roundup of some of the great activity our local manufacturers have been getting involved with recently, showing the range of initiatives taking place amongst sector leaders in Chesterfield.

If you’re taking part in any activity on the day, we’d love to hear from you! Tag us in your social media posts at @DesChes on Twitter, or on the Destination Chesterfield Facebook and Linkedin pages.


MTM Products to open its doors to visitors

To mark the occasion, Local firm MTM Products Ltd is opening its doors to the whole community, showcasing potential careers and jobs on offer and running ‘through the keyhole’ tours of the business throughout the day.

MTM Products has been part of the Chesterfield community, manufacturing plastic labels & signs, aluminium and stainless-steel nameplates, graphic overlays and vinyl cut decals to OEM’s in the UK and EU for over 40 years. Along with other manufacturers from across the UK joining companies from aerospace to food and drink, the company will host a gigantic celebration to showcase production operations, how the company works and to put on a series of fun events throughout the day. Visitors will be able to talk directly to members of staff about how the firm’s operations work and what opportunities there might be available in the business.

Mark Niblett, Managing Director – Designate of MTM Products said: “We are delighted to be taking part in National Manufacturing Day showcasing our products, processes, tools and people. National Manufacturing Day gives us an opportunity to open our doors to interact with students, teachers and career advisors to visit our manufacturing facilities, showcasing the exciting opportunities of offer and ‘get behind the scenes of success’.

“As a growing company, we are continuously seeking creative designers and innovative engineers to get involved and help us to produce customer specific products. Our company can offer a diverse range of career opportunities from administration and logistics, design, engineering, finance, marketing and communication, product development, production, research and more.

“We are looking forward to local residents, school students and parents visit us for a day. Visitors will be able to meet our team and hear first-hand what inspired them to join us.”


Manufacturing leaders of tomorrow

Chesterfield is home to a number of apprentices working in the manufacturing and engineering sector.

If you are interested in a career in manufacturing, check out this blog where you can learn more about the roles in the sector from current apprentices as they talk about their career.


Made in Chesterfield campaign to inspire the next generation of manufacturers

Made in Chesterfield is a celebration of the manufacturing, engineering, science and technology industries and careers in the town.  The campaign looks to inspire the next generation to the industry, with businesses, schools and training providers coming together to showcase the sector.

Tours of local manufacturing businesses for schools are taking place once again this year. These tours allow students to discover more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers in and around Chesterfield.

Manufacturers involved in Made In Chesterfield include: CBE+, United Cast Bar, Superior Wellness, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils and Weightron Bilanciai.

A Business drop-in session will take place at United Cast Bar on Thursday 14th July  for businesses to learn more about getting involved with the initiative. Local businesses in the manufacturing, engineering, property and construction sectors can book a place here.


CBE+ will host a tour of its factory as part of a ‘Backing Britain’ event

On Friday, 8th August Chesterfield Champion, CBE+ is set to host a tour of its factory, alongside business networking as part of a ‘Backing Britain’ Live breakfast event.

CBE+ are leaders in electroless nickel plating, precision engineering, gear cutting and laboratory testing, wire EDM, assembly, surface treatment & pressure testing.


Superior Wellness listed in the FEBE 100 growth index

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness ranks 18th on the Growth 100: an annual list that reveals Britain’s fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country where the founder or founders are still involved.

Superior Wellness leads the market as the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, creating premium, high quality products focused on improving your health and well-being.

In 2021 Superior Wellness moved into its brand-new headquarters in Chesterfield and has also recently opened a 10,000 sq. ft showroom with training facilities. The team headcount has also doubled to almost 70.


Chesterfield Manufacturers listed in Derbyshire’s top 200 businesses

A recent list of the top 200 businesses in Derbyshire, compiled by researchers at the University of Derby shone a light on the scale of Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector.

Included in the list were industry-leading firms based in our town, such as Robinson, Global Brands, Atlas Copco, Coster Aerosols, Xtratherm UK and many more.

Find out more about the list here.


East Midlands Chamber’s Manufacturing Support Network

Manufacturers across the East Midlands are being invited to join a new region-wide, business-led support network, which began in March 2022.

The East Midlands Manufacturing Network aims to help manufacturers share best practices and experience in a trusted peer environment; focus on issues and challenges that are a priority for manufacturing businesses; better understand the financial support on offer for their industry; and tap into specialist consultancy and advice on regulation and compliance.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands is a region with a strong manufacturing heritage and with the potential to have an equally strong future. What better way to secure the future success of manufacturing in our region than by bringing together key knowledge and skills to form a dedicated, supportive peer network. That’s why it’s so important the Chamber leads on this.”


Robinson celebrates 1st full year of sustainability pledge

Robinson, the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – is celebrating the successful first anniversary of its Sustainability Pledge.

Helene Roberts, CEO, says: “Our sustainability pledge helps bring our purpose to life – going above and beyond to create a sustainable future for our people and our planet. This underpins our business strategy and is focused on five pillars and 15 ambitious commitments which are woven into the fabric of our business. We have achieved many of our goals ahead of time and we are proud to celebrate a very successful first year”.

People successes included the introduction of a ‘People development plan’, Zero accidents and proactively championing employee health and wellbeing. An organisational culture survey for the entire workforce compared Robinson to some of the world’s most successful businesses identifying strengths which led to more teamwork and empowerment.

Other activities included enhanced employee communication, a diversity plan to ensure Robinson benefits from a variety of perspectives, skills and backgrounds, and investment in people development and training.


Pinelog moves to Chesterfield, bringing 30 new manufacturing jobs to the town

A leading manufacturer of timber holiday lodges and buildings, Pinelog Ltd, has relocated its production facility from Bakewell to Chesterfield and created 30 new manufacturing jobs in the town.

Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, a family-owned business which also owns Landal Darwin Forest and Landal Sandybrook Holiday Parks and employs approximately 240 people, made the announcement at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event held on Wednesday 23 March at the Winding Wheel.

Known as a pioneer in the holiday park sector, the move to Chesterfield marks the end of Pinelog’s 10-year ambition to modernise their premises.


Corrugated Case Company marks 25 years of success

A Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in the production of sustainable packaging designs is celebrating 25 years of continued success.

Corrugated Case Company was set up in 1997 and over the years has offered packaging solutions to a number of clients, becoming an established presence within the corrugated market.

As a celebration for the firm’s 25th anniversary, it is hosting a competition for local junior schools to create innovative designs.

Laura Woolley, Internal Sales Co-Ordinator said: “We have given the school a task to complete by the 18th July, where they can either tie in with existing projects or make it a bit of fun before the summer holidays the winners will be drawn on the 20th July digitally.

“Once we have received all the entries in, we will share photos and recognition for there efforts via our social media platforms for taking part. Not only does it allow them to win a prize but its also nice for them to share in our 25th year anniversary celebrations and feel its worthy of sharing with the younger generation.

“It is very important to us to inspire the younger generation and we always do our best to help where we can within the local community.


Pronto Paints supports Wellbeing Challenge for Chesterfield Residents and businesses

Chesterfield’s Pronto Paints is working alongside the organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield 10k race to promote healthy lifestyles among the town’s business community.

The Wellbeing Challenge offers local businesses the opportunity to gain 10 percent discount on Chesterfield 10k entry fees, as well as recognition from the 10k stakeholders as an organisation that promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle and mental health wellbeing.

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Wellbeing Challenge once again, after many years of involvement. It’s a great incentive for staff of local businesses like ours to create a running goal and stick to a training plan, while encouraging team members to get stuck into some healthy competition.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Corrugated Case Company celebrates 25 years of success

A Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in the production of sustainable packaging designs is celebrating 25 years of continued success.

The Corrugated Case Company was set up in 1997 and over the years has offered packaging solutions to a number of clients, becoming an established presence within the corrugated market.

The firm offers a personalized touch to clients which has enabled it to stay ahead of the game and continue to develop products and services to deliver a fast, efficient, and friendly service.

Chairman and Founder, Tony Hession commented: “We’ve had some very difficult times over the last 25 years and to have made it this far has been no mean achievement. We’ve all had to work very hard to get where we are and I am very proud of the business, it’s people and where we are currently at.

“We operate out of over 50,000 sq ft with over fifty staff. We have a modern and very well invested factory and turnover of over £15,000,000 including a number of very well known national companies as our customers.”

Mike Hartley, also a director at Corrugated Case Company said: “CCC’s success has been very well earned through hard work, dedication, and teamwork – all employees past and present have all made their contributions.

“I am very proud to be part of the 25 years celebrations and look forward to playing my part in the strategic development of the business”.

CEO, Mark Wilcockson said: “I cannot believe where 25 years has gone, as the saying goes “time flies when you’re having fun!”

The company is continuously looking to stay ahead in the market with investments in staff and technology. New investments include a state-of-the-art Flexo Folder gluer machine, double sided taping machine and the replacement of a flatbed diecutter.

As a celebration for the firm’s 25th anniversary, it is hosting a competition for local junior schools to create innovative designs.

Laura Woolley, Internal Sales Co-Ordinator said: “We have given the school a task to complete by the 18th July, where they can either tie in with existing projects or make it a bit of fun before the summer holidays the winners will be drawn on the 20th July digitally.

“Once we have received all the entries in, we will share photos and recognition for there efforts via our social media platforms for taking part. Not only does it allow them to win a prize but its also nice for them to share in our 25th year anniversary celebrations and feel its worthy of sharing with the younger generation.

“It is very important to us to inspire the younger generation and we always do our best to help where we can within the local community. We tend to get a lot of enquires for bespoke cardboard projects from schools and small businesses.

“A lot of the work we have done is with the design, Art, and technology teachers for local schools, Ashgate hospice and more statement piece ‘one-off’ projects including supply of the boxes for the Britain’s got Talent Magic Marine audition. Again, we are always on hand to do our bit.”

“Earlier this year we acquired the FSC accreditation which means that we only buy our materials from certified sustainable forests and suppliers who are FSC certified. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We co sponsored and attended the Plastic Free Festival in the Chesterfield Town centre this year which was also an addition to showcase how cardboard can be used and its versality. We also have solar panels installed on the roof of our headquarters. ”

To find out more about how Chesterfield can support you to locate and grow your business in the town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Corrugated Case Company supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield-based cutlery and catering product supplier unveils new management team

I Grunwerg Ltd, an award-winning supplier of Housewares and Catering Products, has made several new director appointments in order to fuel the company’s plans for ambitious growth.

The new look management team was formed on the 29th April and brings to an end the leadership of Charles and David Grunwerg, who stepped down in 2018 and 2022 respectively.

Benjamin Grunwerg is promoted to Managing Director having worked within the business for 13 years. Ben will provide company strategic leadership, working with suppliers and product designers to develop the next generation of the company’s products. Ben will also oversee the development of the company’s D2C channels, marketing strategy and Ecommerce Development.

Tom Basford is promoted to Sales Director having joined the business as a territorial sales representative in 2003. Tom brings a wealth of industry experience to the company having worked previously with Brabantia and Meyer Prestige. Tom will manage the company’s customer relationships and work to improve customer service.

Alex Beatie is promoted to Finance Director having joined the business in 2018 having previously worked in the Food Manufacturing industry. Alex will look after the company’s operations including our warehousing and logistics, driving efficiency and performance. Alex will also manage the company’s finances and HR Team.

Anna Grunwerg and Adam Grunwerg have been appointed Non-Executive Directors. Adam Grunwerg is Founding Partner of Finixio Ltd, market leading Digital Media Affiliates. Adam will provide external advice and strategy as well as advising on the use of technology within the company. Anna continues her work in Human Resources whilst studying for her CIPD qualifications.

As well as these appointments, the company has welcomed several new key members of staff; Chetan Patel as Knives From Japan Business Manager, Kate Williams as Ecommerce Manager, Laura Abson as Marketing Manager, Oliver Walker as IT Manager and Katie Lloyd as Catering Sales Manager.

Ben Grunwerg stated: “Today brings to an end a long period of changes which started with the retirement of Charles Grunwerg in 2018, our move to new warehousing and office facilities in 2019 and covid disruptions.

“We are sad to see David step down, having led the business ably for over 50 years; his knowledge, experience, passion and leadership will be hard to replace. We do however expect him to remain close to the business and offer his advice and guidance through our strong family ties.

“I am personally delighted to welcome onto the board Alex and Tom, both of whom I have worked with for some time and who have already added so much to the business with their work ethic and ideas. I am also delighted to welcome my sister, Anna as the company’s first female director, along with my brother Adam who runs his own successful business.

“We are incredibly excited to initiate a long and sustained period of growth. We have state of the art facilities in Chesterfield, strong finances and the best team of people I have worked with in my 13 years at Grunwerg.

“We have ambitious plans to create new products, improve our warehouse facilities and move into new markets. Our new London showroom is due to open in September in the basement of Santoku where we expect to launch over 200 new products this year.

Our family business philosophy will continue to inspire us. We will continue to provide outstanding working conditions in Chesterfield, excellent customer service and quality products.”

I Grunwerg Ltd distribute leading brands including Global Knives, Rockingham Forge, Grunwerg Cutlery, Pioneer and Commichef Cookware.

Posted in Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter