Following its nomination in the Government’s ‘Made by Britain’ initiative, Fortress Technology – leading manufacturer of high performance metal detection systems for the food industry – recently welcomed Sir Tony Baldry, Member of Parliament for North Oxfordshire to its manufacturing facility in Banbury.
Having enjoyed steady growth since it was established in 1999 moving in and out of a number of units in Oxfordshire, Fortress Technology accelerated its expansion three years ago by looking for a larger facility in Banbury which would allow it to start manufacturing its high performance ‘Phantom’ branded metal detectors for the UK and European food industry.
In a £2million investment, Fortress Technology relocated to its current 10,500 sq ft state-of-the-art plant in August 2010. Since then, it has more than trebled headcount, launched a host of new products, made several senior level promotions and focused strongly on skills training. It has also implemented a new management system which gives employees the opportunity to realise their potential and rise through the ranks.
Sarah Ketchin, Managing Director at Fortress Technology commented: “It was great to see Sir Tony’s passion and enthusiasm for North Oxfordshire and its businesses. We discussed the importance of manufacturing in the UK, showcasing what we do well and investing in the local workforce and economy. We also spoke about Fortress Technology’s commitment to training and development of staff and our plans for further expansion.”
Speaking after his tour of the Banbury operation, Sir Tony Baldry said: “I was very impressed by the professionalism of everyone I met at Fortress Technology and I am delighted that a locally based business continues to expand both in the UK and Europe. The company should be congratulated for its on-going investment in the area and I am delighted to have this site in my constituency.”
Fortress Technology has been benefiting from the UK Trade & Investment’s Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth programmes which offer exporters free capability assessments, support in visiting markets, mentoring from a local professional, action plans, customised and subsidised training, and on-going support. This step change has proved invaluable and the push into new territories such as India and Poland has already begun.
With a current turnover of £2million and growing, the company has installed some 2700 metal detectors across the UK and Europe.
Using the highest processing power, Fortress Technology’s Phantom metal detectors are renowned for their speed, accuracy and ease of use, and are widely used within a range of food industry sectors including Bakery, Meats, Packaging Products, Ready Meals, Dairy, Confectionery, Fresh/ Chilled/Frozen foods. All have been specially designed to meet retailers’ increasingly stringent quality, hygiene and safety standards.
The systems offer significant benefits for food manufacturers, processors and packers who need to minimise waste and maximise throughput by reducing stoppages due to false or nuisance rejects, and achieve a better return on their investment, now more than ever.
Made by Britain was developed as a collaboration between the Associate Parliamentary Manufacturing Group and the 1851 Royal Commission: an organisation with a long and distinguished career is supporting British industry.
Fortress Technology
Tel: 01295 256266
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