Company News

Galebreaker Buy a new Factory in Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Press Release (PDF)

Galebreaker’s Rapid Growth

The last five years have seen serious investment in product research and development. This is set to continue. For example, all Galebreaker doors conform to the latest wideranging European door regulations and safety standards. There has also been significant investment in the development of variable ventilation systems. The company’s aim is to hone its product range to suit each market. To help get this right Galebreaker is taking the proactive approach of physically going out visiting different market sectors, listening to customer needs.

Galebreaker recognised that rapid expansion would place new demands on their business management. In order to fully embrace this increased business, to maintain high quality and to be customer focused they knew that they needed to implement major infrastructure changes. Early in 2007 the decision was taken to make a large investment in Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) software. Implementation was planned to start during the summer – traditionally a quiet trading period. At the same time the company had big changes in personnel with five people leaving and seven new joining. In all cases highly qualified, experienced people were recruited to further enrich company resources. A new position of Operations Officer was created, this to be someone with in-depth experience of MRP?systems plus well proven production and logistics management skills. Bryan Peates took on this role in August. Contrary to expectations based on previous years, Summer 2007 was not a quiet time. Orders massively exceeded expectations and at the same time major teething problems were experienced with the new software. Galebreaker apologise to all its customers for any inconvenience they may have experienced. Initial problems have now been solved and the benefits are of the MRP system are starting to filter through.

The new MRP system has been tailored specifically to Galebreaker giving them the means to control the business in line with QS standards from point of order through to despatch and invoicing. The immediate focus is on-time delivery scheduling. Customers will be supplied with accurate information throughout the process from order intake to delivery. Computer terminals have been introduced onto the factory floor so that the workforce, who are being cross trained to be multi tasking, can quickly monitor the status of any job in progress. The system handles production planning and scheduling, from the time it takes to make the product down to who made and packed it. Customers will enjoy shorter lead times and have confidence that the delivery date quoted will be met if not improved upon.To take the business to the next stage Galebreaker is in the process of taking additional facilties to expand into in 2008. This, together with investment in people, new equipment and IT, will give the company the resources to continue to grow. Galebreaker believes that their export and industrial markets offer vast potential for growth and they have every intention of being ready and able to handle any orders their customers may give them.

Investment in New High Frequency Welder

The new machine matches the capabilities of the existing 20KW No.2 HF welder, the two units currently running adjacent to each other. Galebreaker’s planned expansion into new manufacturing premises will allow the two welders to be joined to form a 40m table with double welding heads, further improving productivity and keeping lead times to a minimum.

To further meet demand the company has implemented a 24/5 shift pattern with the welders in operation from 18:00 on Sundays through to 14:30 the following Friday.

New Faces

A mechanical engineer, Bryan brings with him an impressive skill set. He has particular knowledge of production management software systems and how to best utilise their capabilities.