AHS & AMP Opens New Equipment Manufacturing PlantAHS & AMP Opens New Equipment Manufacturing Plant

AHS & AMP (Automated Handling Solutions/Advanced Material Processing), has announced the opening of its new 60,000-sq.-ft equipment manufacturing facility in Darwen, Lancashire, UK.

This new facility is a significant upgrade from the company’s previous site in Clitheroe, now representing 25% of AHS & AMP’s global manufacturing capacity. Designed to serve customers across the UK, continental Europe, Africa, and Asia, the Darwen site supports the company’s strategic focus on growth and global reach. The larger facility will allow the company to improve lead times, increase efficiency and support its growing operations.

“This isn’t just a new building, it represents the future of our business," said Ben Ayrton, managing director/VP operations supply chain Europe - AHS & AMP. "We’ve outgrown our previous site and this state-of-the-art facility provides us with the space to increase capacity, streamline operations and deliver enhanced services to our customers. The improvements will allow us to implement lean manufacturing practices, reduce lead times and create a safer, more efficient working environment for our engineers.”

The Darwen facility will be used to manufacture equipment across AHS & AMP’s four key brands: Spiroflow, Cablevey, Marion, and Kason. The expanded space includes dedicated build bays for each piece of equipment, greater storage capacity, and improved areas for quality control. The investment will lead to enhanced production efficiency, with space allocated for pre-assembly, allowing engineers to complete tasks with fewer constraints.

The new test bay covers 10,000 sq. ft of the facility and will allow customers to see AHS & AMP’s cutting-edge equipment in action, with one of every key product available for demonstration. The facility also features modern, employee-friendly amenities, such as spacious kitchens, breakout areas, and improved meeting rooms, enhancing the overall working environment for the team. The Darwen facility follows the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Friedrichsdorf, Germany, in 2023, which focuses on pre-sales testing and aftermarket support. In 2025, further investment in the Darwen site will enhance the company’s testing capabilities, matching the offerings of the German test lab.

Located close to key transport links, rail networks, and nearby airports, the facility offers logistical advantages that support AHS & AMP’s supply chain and distribution network. The increased space also opens up recruitment opportunities, providing access to a larger talent pool within the region.

The new Darwen site features energy-efficient solutions including full LED lighting, hybrid heat pumps, and a comprehensive recycling program. This ensures that the facility not only promotes operational efficiency but also aligns with the company’s long-term environmental goals.