Among its new acquisitions is a CNC-controlled Mayer beam saw and a second Rainer Eletek turret punch. These machines will dramatically improve the plant’s capacity, enabling it to provide developers and contractors across the UK with a wide range of non-flammable, bespoke façade systems. New air filtration and dust extraction systems have also been installed to meet the highest safety standards.

The investment has been facilitated by parent company Vivalda Group, which also owns the Prism Powder Coating and Pura Facades brands.

Gillian Thomson, branch manager at MSP, said: “Prior to this investment we suffered from a bottleneck – as we had four brake presses that were being fed by a single turret punch. With our new Rainer machine, this doubles our throughput, giving us much more capacity. Our new CNC beam saw is another vital investment as it enables us to accurately cut cladding board to length – a service we also provide to our colleagues at sister company Vivalda Scotland.”

In addition to this investment, MSP has bought an additional fork lift truck to cope with increased workload at the Cumbernauld facility. The improvement programme has also included significant changes to the factory’s layout, improved lighting, office refits as well as structural work on the building.

Gillian Thomson added: “We also took the opportunity to build a new staff canteen and open plan office. Previously, we were working in smaller, separate units, which didn’t help with communications across the different functions of the business. The open plan set-up has definitely made for a much more pleasant, productive working environment!”

Employing approximately 40 people, MSP provides bespoke façade systems to flagship construction projects across the UK. The new investment has drastically improved the productivity and capacity at the factory.

Gillian concluded: “While 2020 has been a tough year for us all, we’re confident that next year will be much better. Being part of a forward looking business like Vivalda Group encourages us to invest in the future, which is counter-intuitive to many managers – especially in tough economic times.”

Peter Johnson, chairman, Vivalda Group plc, said: “This investment represents a vote of confidence in our fantastic team in Cumbernauld who have pulled together in a difficult year for the whole of the country. This company has always been forward looking and with the growth in demand for non-combustible Class A fire rated solid aluminum cladding panels, this investment will enhance MSP Scotland’s UK-wide reputation for quality and product safety.”