Robotic Demand Soars at CKF

Posted on Wednesday 09 November 2011

It’s not only the new Bank of England £50 note that is flying the flag for mechanical engineers; Gloucester-based CKF Systems Ltd has taken orders totalling £5.5 million in the past six months and six new engineers now bolster its ranks. The internationally recognised provider of automated and robotic solutions has seen demand rocket from both new and existing customers.

“It was a quiet start to 2011 but more businesses are now taking the bull by the horns and introducing automation to improve production and reduce costs,” says Bryan Wheeler, Managing Director, CKF Systems. “There appears to be a growing realisation in the UK and Europe that waiting for an economic upturn is high risk, immediate action is necessary to stay competitive and profitable.”

“Whilst current world financial forecasts may not inspire confidence, investment in robotic systems is growing worldwide and almost always presents immediate benefits, not least an early payback! Some banks now recognise this and appear more willing to lend where automation is a key part of an investment plan. It’s very clear that manufacturing businesses that are properly leveraged today can swiftly switch from surviving to thriving.”

For almost 30 years, CKF has been successfully providing its customers with a competitive edge and long term sustainability. Increasing output, reducing operating costs and improving product quality are just some of the reasons why companies of all sizes turn to CKF for growth, at home and through export. With a reputation established within food manufacture and processing, CKF has successfully transferred its skills and know-how to many other business sectors and a wide variety of applications.

“At CKF we benefit greatly from repeat business,” continues Wheeler. “Our customers know that from an initial idea through to commissioning and after sales, we will work closely alongside them at all stages of a project to ensure a smooth transition including training programmes for the workforce. There is also the peace of mind that our premises are equipped with factory-acceptance test and trial facilities where we pre test new systems for accuracy and precision.”