Coatings group Anochrome in £2m investment boost

Electroplating and automotive coatings expert Anochrome has announced an investment boost of more than £2 million for its West Midlands site to increase capacity and enhance environmental credentials.

Anochrome confirmed today that it has spent £1.3 million on state-of-the-art new plant and more than £600,000 to modernise a large bay at the site in Walsall.

Meanwhile, the front façade of the building has been revamped for the first time in half a century, along with the reception area, making it more welcoming for staff and visitors.

The total investment figure is in the region of £2.3 million.

Anochrome is one of the largest electroplating and coatings specialists in the UK, processing tens of millions of components every week and dealing predominantly with tier 1 automotive suppliers.

Cladding

All asbestos was stripped from the old bay and replaced with the latest energy-rated cladding. New doors and lights were installed, while the whole unit was re-wired.

The improvements will reduce Anochrome’s carbon footprint by lowering energy consumption and decreasing the amount of carbon being released.

Underfloor heating is set to be installed in the loading areas to improve working conditions for employees.

With the bay work largely complete, the new plant is due to arrive in February ready for commissioning through March.

As well as being more efficient, the machinery will allow Anochrome to reduce the chemistry used in its processes, which include zinc, zinc phosphate and zinc nickel plating and cathodic e-coating, as well as powder coating.

Once fully operational in April, the business’ current plant will be decommissioned.

‘Important moment’

Steve Norman, group UK divisional director, said the new plant will increase production capacity by at least 50%, while the new-look bay will reduce energy costs and provide much-improved working conditions for employees.

Norman said: “This investment will bring significant benefits to both our customers and our people. It’s an important moment for the business, which demonstrates our commitment to continued growth while being environmentally responsible.

“The revamped bay was where we kept all our scrap and redundant equipment. That area has been completely overhauled and is now an energy-friendly, modern unit fit for 2025.

“The new plant is the most advanced of its kind in the UK and utilises best available techniques to reduce environmental impact. It will help us service all our OEMs’ technical specifications, while minimising our environmental footprint.”

Norman said: “This investment has been two years in the planning, so it is tremendous to see it come to fruition. Anochrome is a company rich in history and heritage but this investment will future-proof us for decades to come.”