A global manufacturer and provider of advanced prosthetic, orthotic and specialist seating technologies has announced a £15 million investment to create a new, state-of-the-art Operations Centre of Excellence in Basingstoke (UK).
Blatchford, which has been headquartered in Basingstoke since the 1960s, said the development underlines its long-standing commitment to the town and will significantly boost its manufacturing and innovation capabilities, ensuring it’s able to meet rapidly growing demand for its life-changing award-winning mobility solutions.
Work on the new operations centre – which will be based at Bilton Road, just a short walk from the company’s Bond Close headquarters – is already underway, with the site expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
The 70,000 sq. ft. operations centre will replace Blatchford’s existing manufacturing facility at Lister Road, which had become constrained by its size, and will double the company’s current operational footprint. It will bring together its manufacturing, assembly and distribution teams – currently split across its Lister Road and Bond Close sites – under one roof for the first time.
Designed to boost efficiency, productivity and innovation, the new operations centre will house the latest manufacturing and design technologies, increasing Blatchford’s machining capacity by 50% and improving its overall production efficiency by 30%. It will focus exclusively on prosthetics, as Blatchford’s innovative orthotic and specialist seating products will continue to be manufactured at its dedicated production facility in Sheffield.
The 180 employees who will be based at the new site will benefit from enhanced facilities, including a modern staff canteen, an on-site gym, improved parking, and an upgraded working environment designed to support wellbeing and professional development. All existing roles will be retained, with upskilling opportunities provided to operate the latest state-of-the-art machinery. As the business continues to grow, the new facility also provides the capacity to create further new jobs in the future.
Blatchford’s investment also reflects its strong commitment to sustainability. The new building has been designed to the highest environmental standards (EPC A+), supporting the company’s ambition to achieve net zero five years ahead of the Government’s 2050 target. The roof is fitted with an advanced solar panel system, which will be used to power the site whenever possible. Additionally, the facility will operate without the use of gas, relying instead on advanced air source heat pumps to maintain a comfortable working environment. Waste management will be fully integrated into site operations to prioritise waste reduction at every stage.
Paul Roberts, CEO of the Blatchford Group, said: “Over the past five years, we have experienced remarkable growth, driven by cutting-edge technology developed here in the UK and an increasing demand for our solutions worldwide. As we continue to expand, our existing manufacturing capacity can no longer keep pace, making investment in a state-of-the-art facility essential to fuel our next phase of growth.
“At the heart of everything we do is our mission to improve the lives of patients. This investment will not only strengthen our incredible workforce in Basingstoke but also enhance our ability to develop and deliver life-changing prosthetic technology to more people around the world.
“By increasing our manufacturing capabilities, we can accelerate innovation, improve accessibility, and empower more individuals to lead independent, active lives. This is a pivotal step in unlocking an exciting future for Blatchford – one that ensures we continue to push the boundaries of possibility for prosthetic users, while driving UK innovation on a global scale.”
Blatchford’s success continues to be underpinned by its UK-based research and development, with exports growing at double the rate of the global prosthetics and orthotics market. Founded in 1890 and employing over 900 people worldwide, Blatchford has been the NHS’ supplier of choice since 1948. It has operated the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre for the Ministry of Defence since 2006. For more information, visit blatchfordmobility.com/en-gb/.
Source: Evergreen PR.
Image: L-r Paul Roberts, CEO of the Blatchford Group, and non-executive director Stephen Blatchford in front of the new facility. Submitted by Evergreen PR
