Fixfast Launches State-of-the-Art UK Manufacturing Facility

FIXFAST, supplier and manufacturer of building envelope fasteners, has added a new manufacturing and R&D cell to its UK operations.

The new facility in Rolvenden, Kent, allows Fixfast to design and produce its range of fasteners in the UK. As an expanded, rapid-response production capacity it is an investment in Fixfast’s ‘Maximum Reliability, Minimum Fuss’ customer promise, the company says.

“We believed adding to our local manufacturing capacity was important and necessary, after seeing shortages from other suppliers during the coronavirus crisis. Now, more than ever, customers need a fastener partner they can depend on. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in new UK manufacturing capability to ensure we’re always here for customers when they need us,” said Ken Lynes, Managing Director of Fixfast.

“Everyone at Fixfast is focused on improving the way fasteners are made and used in the construction of better, safer buildings. We’re doing that through three programmes: service excellence, technical leadership, and raising standards in our industry. Our new facility in Kent enables big steps forward in each of these areas,” added Lynes

“We’ve brought together best-in-class machines from around the world for each step of the manufacturing process. This, coupled with the kind of techniques normally only seen in highly advanced industries like aerospace and automotive, means we’ve created one of the most cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering environments in the UK construction industry” said Michael Edwards, Head of Engineering at Fixfast.

State-of-the-Art Manufacturing

The new manufacturing cell uses data to link internet-of-things enabled machines in one of the sector’s first Industry 4.0 grade facilities. This data allows close monitoring of each stage of the manufacturing process and deep insight into the performance of the cell. This ultimately gives unprecedented control, so fasteners can be produced with greater speed and accuracy than ever before.

“Our new cell also has exciting implications for product innovation and testing. Timescales for prototyping have been slashed, so we’re able to explore and develop new fastener solutions with our OEM partners in a matter of days,” added Michael Edwards.

Fixfast employs over 100 people and its product catalogue includes roof drainage systems, height safety and access systems, living roof products, weatherproofing and sealing products, adhesive systems and specialist tools.

>> Read more about fasteners in the news