Nov 2014 – LBBC Technologies new £1.5m facility officially opened

Howard Pickard, Managing Director, said “This new facility is just fantastic for us and is a major investment in the future of the business enabling us to continue to grow, develop new technologies and expand further into new markets.”

 

Leeds City Region LEP supported the £1.5m project with a £130,000 grant from the business growth programme with Leader of the Council, Cllr Keith Wakefield and Cllr Richard Lewis, Executive Member for Transport and the Economy attending the opening and expressed their support.

 

Councillor Keith Wakefield, Leader of Leeds City Council and Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) investment panel said: “Manufacturing is an important sector for the Leeds economy. It makes a major contribution in terms of jobs – with around 30,000 employed in the sector – as well as skills development and innovation. It’s great to see the investment being made by LBBC Technologies supported by the LEP. The company’s plans for continued growth are also very welcome in terms of providing a strong future for its current and future generations of employees.”

 

The event, well attended by business leaders from the local area, was an opportunity to hear more about the history of the company originally established in 1876 with current directors, Howard and Robert Pickard being the fifth generation to run the company. Guests enjoyed a tour of the new facility highlighting the extensive R&D work being carried out in conjunction with Rolls Royce and the universities of Leeds and Birmingham through KTP and EngD programmes. There were demonstrations of the latest control system designs, solid modelling and 3D printing technology. The assembly area contained equipment destined for various countries including Europe, USA and China as well as equipment to be supplied for the latest Astute submarines being built by BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness.