A performance car exhaust maker is marking the run-up to its 40th anniversary with a £2.5 million investment in a new advanced manufacturing centre.
Derby-based Milltek Sport has opened the R&D facility to improve the service it provides to customers and increase its production capability by more than a third. The business works on exhaust systems for some of the most popular and newest performance cars, including the BMW M3/M4 G Series, the new Audi RS3 and the sporty Toyota GR Yaris.
Management said the new site was a key part of the company’s growth plans as it prepares to launch an operation in North America, and will help it improve its supply of ‘first-to-market’ products for some of the newest and fastest performance vehicles.
Investment in the 15,000 sq ft Derby manufacturing complex has supported the creation of six new roles, taking the total number of staff in Derby and Derbyshire to 70.
Milltek Sport was set up in 1983 and has grown to become a leading player in the aftermarket tuning industry.
Its new purpose-built facility took 18 months to complete will bring benefits to the business such as production efficiency, reduced energy consumption and increased output.
It will also help Milltek Sport meet demand for its performance systems as it develops a global presence.
The new facility complements its research and design facility near the Nürburgring in Germany, and its primary production facility in Ilkeston.
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The centre is next to the existing headquarters and warehouse and distribution facility in Pride Park, Derby, and has some of the latest machinery to streamline production and provide an even higher standard of finish for its clients with less waste.
A robotic laser, for instance, produces parts in a radically different way to previously, delivering cuts that would not have been possible with hand processes.
Managing director Steve Pound said: “As we approach our 40th anniversary in 2023, now is one of the most exciting periods in our history.
“Demand for our products is growing at a significant rate and we want to strengthen our status as a leader in our segment, while continuing to create first-to-market systems for some of the newest and most talked about performance cars.
“Creating the Milltek Sport Advanced Manufacturing Centre will allow us to grow and diversify, while also optimising product quality and the speed of manufacturing.
“It also means we can complete more work in-house with less reliance on external suppliers.
“It is excellent news for everyone involved with Milltek Sport and illustrates our commitment to providing the very best products and services to our distributors and the ultimate end users of our industry-leading performance exhaust systems.”
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