Leggett & Platt UK, leading components manufacturer for the bedding industry, has revealed their approach to sustainability and growth despite economic challenges. Made in Yorkshire, membership organisation for manufacturers, recently sat down with Mike Holmes, Managing Director of Leggett & Platt, who discussed the company’s recent developments and the state of UK manufacturing as a whole.
When asked his thoughts on the health of the industry, Mike said: “UK manufacturing stands strong with its skilled workforce.” He emphasised the UK's competitive advantage in skills but highlights cost-based hurdles, notably in energy expenses. “Leggett & Platt has factories in Denmark and Croatia which underscores the UK's comparative electricity tradeoffs.”, he continued.
Regardless of this, Mike anticipates growth for Leggett & Platt, fuelled by recovering post-COVID demand and strategic initiatives - such as their plans to install solar panels, incorporate an automated packaging line, and collaborate with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Projects like automating packaging lines demonstrate the company's commitment to employee safety, efficiency, and enhancing product quality. The investment into a solar project, where they will install solar panels at their manufacturing plant in Barnsley, is to address sustainability objectives and mitigate increasing energy costs.
With a customer-centric approach, Leggett & Platt UK prioritises sustainability in product design, conservation, carbon footprint reduction, and recycling. Collaborations with suppliers aim to increase recycled content in raw materials, aligning with industry-wide efforts for a circular economy and net-zero goals.
Furthermore, Mike identified import competition and regulatory changes as key challenges. While Leggett & Platt UK engage industry bodies like the National Bed Federation for support, balancing external environmental changes of any nature remains a complex challenge for most UK manufacturers. Nonetheless, the company navigates these challenges with internal expertise and appropriate, objective advice.
Automation is also playing a major part in the company’s plans for growth and becoming more sustainable, driving efficiency and product enhancement across Leggett & Platt's operations. Beyond labour reduction, automation optimises processes and improves safety and product consistency. Along with digitalization, including real-time production data capture, automation is critical to sustaining UK manufacturing in the long term.
Find out more about Leggett & Platt by visiting their microsite https://leggettplatt.madeinyorkshire.com/
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