COMPANY PROFILE

MICHAEL GIBBS, MD, LESJÖFORS HEAVY SPRINGS UK

It all started in a ‘beach hut’ in Perranporth nearly 35 years ago, which has now grown to a multi-million pound, multi-site, marketleading manufacturer, heading a specialist division of heavy spring manufacturing with two sister sites in Sweden and Finland. Based in Redruth and Penryn, Lesjöfors Heavy Springs UK manufactures millions of springs every year and have seen their best year yet with a 35% increase in sales, 40% increase in staff and a record breaking £15 million turnover. Managing director Michael Gibbs says: “I couldn’t be prouder of our team. We’re all local, with some sporting a 30+ year pedigree with the business and it is their ambition and progressiveness that has delivered every element of our performance.” A recent rebrand unified the Cornwall operation with its parent company and is all part of a new division, focusing on growth and significant investment in the heavy springs sector. A key player in the automotive aftermarket sector with 50% of their suspension springs exported across Scandinavia and central Europe, Lesjöfors Heavy Springs UK has also grown sales in its industrial

Look under your sector by 60% in the last year. car and it’s highly Gibbs continues: “In the past 18 months we have been laser likely that Lesjöfors focused on strategy and growth, increasing our market share suspension springs across the automotive, rail, agriculture, oil, mining, construction have been fitted and energy sectors.” during your cars However, the spring market doesn’t stop there. Experts in

MOT or service large diameter compression, torsion and tension spring manufacturing, Lesjöfors Heavy Springs UK has manufactured springs for all sorts of purposes including retail displays in iconic shop windows and restaurants, components in canopy covers for football stadiums and sprung floors for gymnasts. Michael says: “The manufacturing industry has seen the benefits from companies ‘reshoring’ production to the UK but there is a cocktail of factors with world events which is disrupting the world economy and global supply chains. “The Ukraine war has impacted on our automotive division and every business is having to handle rising inflation through price adjustments and cost control. Our customers and suppliers are our most valued asset and we need to ensure we work smartly, collaboratively and source locally, as much as possible.”

As the largest holder of silicon chrome wire in the UK, Lesjöfors has developed an initiative which enables its customers to manage costs by forecasting their annual spring material need. This enables Lesjöfors to pass savings onto the customer as it optimises production and commercial efficiencies, reduces material waste and decreases lead times.

Gibbs concludes: “Partnership is everything and our commitment to our customers and to manufacturing excellence means that this year we’re investing £1 million in new machinery to continue to develop the technological infrastructure for the worldleading springs we manufacture.”

www.lesjoforssprings.com