A St Helens-based manufacturer, which created custom engraved blocks for Anfield and Everton's new stadium, has secured new equipment which has reduced its waste by almost 60 per cent, after partnering with the Horizons project.
Intaglio Creative produces custom engraved blocks for high-status sports stadia, and sought out support from the Horizons delivery partners at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) to help it reduce the amount of waste in its manufacturing process.
The support from the university was provided as part of The Horizons Project (Horizons), a £5.2m programme funded by the Liverpool City Region's £44m UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation.
It aims to drive business innovation across the city region through partnerships between the Virtual Engineering Centre (University of Liverpool), Edge Hill University, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
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Intaglio Creative produces custom engraved blocks (Image credit: Intaglio Creative)
Intaglio Creative has now implemented a more efficient batch production system and developed heating systems for its masking process. The company has also identified new revenue streams through its laser engraving capabilities, transforming what was previously an unused asset, into a potential growth driver.
Kevin O'Brien, company director at Intaglio Creative, said: "As a part of the Horizons project, LJMU has helped us to radically improve our process. After an initial assessment period, where the LJMU team reviewed our stone engraving process, they quickly helped identify pinch points in some of the process stages. Some of the options have been seamlessly and quickly integrated, helping to improve processes immediately."
Jen Bowles-Smith, collaboration specialist at LJMU, added: "When we first visited Intaglio Creative, it was apparent that their existing method of engraving stones was causing a significant amount of waste. We worked with Kevin and his team to find an alternative manufacturing process, which in turn has reduced their wastage by almost 60 per cent.
"Results like these are why programmes such as Horizons exist – to provide a helping hand to businesses across the Liverpool City Region to innovate and grow."