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Gardner Denver Transport Solutions, the leading provider of truck mounted compressors, blowers and vacuum pumps, has completed its multi-million-pound investment in a new facility at Cross Lane in Bradford, UK. The business will now design, assemble, test and install all its products from this location, having previously worked across two separate sites in the city since the early 90s.
Cross Lane represents the latest step in Gardner Denver’s future-facing strategy, which prioritises more sustainable ways of working. In line with this, the company has used the move to assess its manufacturing practices, either phasing out older processes that were no longer needed or improving those that had become inefficient. Reflecting the shift towards electrified drives that many customers have made in recent years, Cross Lane will also continue to work on the integration of their compressor packages into the hybrid and electric vehicle market.
The decision to consolidate production was made in October 2020 after management determined both customers and colleagues could be better served with design, manufacturing, commissioning and installation all completed under one roof. Instead of leasing a separate property, Gardner Denver chose to build on land it already owned, in turn securing a long-term base from which to serve its growing list of UK, European and international customers.
Developers broke ground at Cross Lane in March 2021, with inventory, machines and staff migrated gradually to ensure there was no drop in supply. Eight key machines were moved in total, along with the production lines and test booths that are responsible for all the company’s oil free screw and vane machines as well as the larger water cooled, oil lubricated products. Beyond construction, investment has also been used to refurbish existing units, increase the site’s machining capacity and lower the site’s energy consumption. Only complex, high-tolerance machining is now carried out on site, with the simpler turned parts passed on to sister organisations or outsourced partners.
David Houston, Director of Operations at Gardner Denver, said: “Cross Lane is an important step forward for our business and customers. The investment will guarantee manufacture of precision-engineered compressors remains in Bradford for years to come, while also helping to develop the next generation of talent. We have a strong base of knowledge and experience in the local area, so it made sense to keep all our high-tolerance machining nearby”.
Houston continued: “Moves of this kind can be disruptive, but it was carried out in phases to minimise downtime. The facility maintained production and supply throughout the entire process, which is testament to the skill and commitment of our staff at Cross Lane. Having all inventory in one place – as well as purchasing, production and engineering all together – will ultimately make us more agile to customers’ needs. This is key given the pace of change in today’s transport sector”.
Gardner Denver is part of Ingersoll Rand Transport Solutions. With a focus on dry and liquid bulk transfer for road tankers, compressor packages for electric vehicles, dry-break couplings and fuel systems, IRTS has a global presence with more than 100 sites and distributors situated across the globe.