MPL Fabrications increased turnover following grant support from the council

MPL Fabrications, an independent family business based in Coventry, has increased its turnover following grant support from Coventry City Council.

The company, which has been operating for 40 years, supplies a variety of industries with light steel and aluminium fabrication.

MPL Fabrications recently invested in a new press brake machine, replacing their existing machine, which had been encountering numerous problems and repair costs. The new machine, which cost £109k, was partially funded by a £15,000 grant from Coventry City Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The new machine has improved productivity, energy efficiency, and business opportunities for MPL Fabrications. It has allowed the company to tender for different jobs, presenting a growth opportunity and safeguarding jobs within the business.

Kevin Duffy, Managing Director at MPL said:
“Thanks to the funding received through Coventry City Council we have been able to replace our 30-year-old press brake with a new Bystronic ByBend Smart 160/3100.

"A press brake is vital to a fabricating company. We were facing a situation where the prior machine was failing regularly and parts supply was nearly impossible. This new machine gives us vastly increased functionality, lower energy output and the ability to do more complicated jobs efficiently. In its first week, we have already managed to quote on a job we would have been incapable of doing on the previous machine. It should help increase our customer base, revenue opportunities and fulfil our company growth aspirations.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council, said:
“This is a great example of how a relatively small grant can make a huge difference. Turnover is up, new markets have opened up and jobs that were previously outsourced can now be done in house.

“This local family run business has had its roots in the city for the last 40 years – hopefully this investment will help them to continue to thrive.”

Case study from Coventry City Council: https://www.coventry.gov.uk/business-finance-funding/funding-programmes/2