Through our parent brand Flexiform, Asgard has joined the Northern Powerhouse community. Based in Bradford, Asgard Secure Steel Storage is a division of Flexiform Business Furniture Limited, a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of steel storage systems for almost 50 years. Asgard design and manufacture a range of metal sheds, bike storage and motorcycle storage of the highest quality, designed with strength and security in mind.
Our 118,000 sq. ft production facility is currently undergoing significant multi-million pound investment to facilitate our ambitious growth plans. This year (2019), we have invested over £1m in laser and bender technologies with further investment in robotic welders and IT systems to follow. This continuous investment will allow us to grow and build on our reputation as key Northern Manufacturers in our marketplace.
What is the Northern Powerhouse?
The Northern Powerhouse is the Government’s vision for a super-connected, globally-competitive northern economy with a flourishing private sector, a highly-skilled population, and world-renowned civic and business leadership. The Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme is a growing network of businesses and organisations who all believe strongly in the economic potential of the North, and support the need for a combined effort by government and business to realise that potential.
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, the Rt Hon Jake Berry, MP said:
“The North is world-famous for its manufacturing and steel industries so it’s fitting that Flexiform have become the latest members of our Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme.
“Flexiform’s growth and increased investment in the Bradford City Region provides good, well-paid jobs and they are well placed to work with us to build on our significant £145 million Local Growth Fund investment across Yorkshire to ensure businesses can take full advantage of the global opportunities coming when we leave the EU.”
Within our £multi-million investment plan, we have introduced new machinery and programming to the manufacturing team. Various departments have had significant training sessions to programme and operate the new laser and panel bender with more training sessions to be rolled out. We have also invested in a new Combi-lift FLT, with training lasting 3 days per session, including operations and health and safety.
‘We continually support our staff, offering personal development training as well as machinery programming and operations. Giving this training engages the staff and develops the skills and capability of the factory’ - Michael Etherington, Production Manager.
Asgard believes in giving back to the community, either through fundraising for worthy causes close to our staff’s hearts or donating furniture or other items. We have worked with charities such as Kirkwood Hospice (Huddersfield), St. Curthbert’s Church & Wrose Community Garden (Bradford), CHAS @ St. Vincent’s, 39th Parkwood Scouts (Huddersfield) and local Bradford & Leeds schools. In addition, we have supported a number of athletes based in the North by donating secure sheds to store their cycling and gym equipment. These athletes include Team GB’s Meghan Barker & Elinor Barker, Laura Kenny, Alistair Brownlee and 8x Kickboxing & Muay Thai World Champion Liam Harrison. As a team, we have also donated food to local foodbanks and raised large amounts of money for National Charities.
The North has a strong manufacturing history and Asgard will continue to support and engage with the local community, ensuring we not only remain true Northern manufacturers but also an investor in the local area.
