Member Article

Linecross group continues investment in its Rutland base

It’s been another exciting few months for the South Luffenham-based Linecross Group, one of the Midlands’ leading manufacturers of vacuum-formed thermoplastic, polyurethane and injection moulded components.

The company, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary, has invested £3.1m in new plant and equipment and is currently working on the development of a number of innovative new products for several global brands.

A significant investment has been made in three of the latest vacuum forming machines, one of which will be dedicated to twin sheet forming. A waterjet trimming centre has also been relocated from the Linecross Cannock site to form part of a manufacturing cell for a large new automotive programme.

Linecross has evolved over the past 50 years and now provides clients in the automotive, leisure and speciality industries with a full design and manufacturing service - from initial design to ‘just in time’ supply direct to trackside.

As the business has expanded, so has its reputation across the industry for its commitment to technical innovation. As a result, it can count many household names amongst its diverse client base - from luxury car makers Bentley and Aston Martin, to JCB, London Taxis and caravan manufacturers Swift Group and Coachman.

Linecross is constantly evolving in order to address the new requirements of its existing customer base. The technical team is currently developing new lightweight materials that use compression moulding technology, which will enable it to produce automotive wheel arch liners and fabric covered interior trim components.

Commenting on the continued growth of the Linecross Group, chairman David Austin said:

“Linecross has been at the forefront of advancements in the industry for 50 years and has established long-term partnerships with many iconic British manufacturers, including Lotus, Bentley and JCB - all leaders in their respective fields.

“Our latest investment in infrastructure and technology at our Rutland headquarters demonstrates our commitment to remaining at the forefront of new plastic and composite materials and technology.”

Since it was founded in 1967, the Linecross Group, which now comprises Linecross Ltd and Linecross Composites, has grown from a microbusiness with just two employees, to one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of engineered thermoformed and polyurethane components.

In 2012 Linecross Ltd bought its Cannock-based competitor BI Composites out of administration to form Linecross Composites, which enabled the company to broaden its product offering and diversify into a number of new markets.

The company now employs more than 300 staff across its two facilities in Cannock and Rutland. Group turnover topped the £27m in the last financial year and is expected to exceed £30m next year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Donna Hill .