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How Interflex turned adversity into expansion
MD of Interflex Jim Griffin (pictured), explains how the company is emerging from the pandemic stronger than ever.
However, when restrictions around Covid-19 closed down automotive manufacturing almost overnight last year, MD Jim Griffin decided that the answer was to meet the challenges facing them head on. “We had been making products to reduce the
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impact of air, water and noise (NVH) in vehicles, working with OEMs and Tier 1 and 2 suppliers for almost two decades,” explains Jim. “When it became clear that car production would be significantly impacted for some time, we looked to diversify into areas that complemented our current production lines.
FINDING A NEW MARKET “We already had relevant assets in terms of machinery, factory space and a skilled workforce, which made us well-placed to venture into new markets. Personal protective equipment seemed the obvious choice: demand was high, and we had the assets to help fulfil it.” By investing £140K in new equipment and
taking on extra staff, Interflex was able to open up a whole new revenue stream. Setting up subsidiary company Pinnacle (
www.pinnacleppe.co.uk) as the PPE brand, production of automotive parts and PPE now run concurrently in different parts of the factory. The PPE range includes face shields, aprons and three-ply surgical style face masks.
ottinghamshire-based company Interflex is best known for manufacturing high performance interior parts and sealing solutions for the automotive industry.
“Our new machinery means we can
manufacture up to half a million three-ply surgical style face masks every week,” adds Jim. “We have also invested in a new packaging machine to ensure we have capacity to cope with demand within the production and supply process.”
MAINTAINING CORE BUSINESS AND LAUNCHING NEW PRODUCTS Meanwhile, Interflex continues to manufacturer a range of NVH and sealing solutions for vehicles, including door seals, interior trim, under carpet, wheelarch lining and boot seals for their clients in the automotive industry. Not content to stand still even in a pandemic, the company is soon to launch a new product: the Ocean acoustic absorber, a highly effective lightweight absorber made from a minimum 75% recycled product which can also be recycled at the end of its life.
“The manufacture of high quality automotive
parts remains our core business, but diversifying has enabled us to reduce our reliance on one industry and a limited pool of customers,” comments Jim. “It has also enabled us to take on staff, with plans to expand our workforce further - at a time when some businesses in the East Midlands are sadly having to cut staff numbers.” One of the company’s recent appointments
A new acoustic absorber is due to be launched in 2021
has been commercial director Paul Neale. Paul has extensive experience working in the automotive manufacturing industry and has been brought in to help Interflex continue with their drive for expansion. He is also managing the launch of the new Ocean acoustic absorber. Jim says: “Having worked with Paul at a
previous company, I am delighted by his appointment. He brings a wide range of contacts, ideas and knowledge to help build on the solid foundations we have built in difficult times during 2020.”
The factory is able to produce half a million face masks weekly
For more information visit
www.interflex2000.co.uk email
sales@interflex2000.com or call 01949 861 494.
business networkMarch 2021 39
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