The investment in a state-of-the-art plant at Hozelock's Midpoint Park factory in Birmingham features a new injection moulding machine, set to enhance production and help achieve record delivery times.
The new 87-ton Demag Systec 1300T injection moulding machine affords an enhanced production capability of more than 1800 of Hozelock's new wall-mounted AutoReel models, per 24-hour cycle. This is quite a feat, considering the hose reel models require the largest moulded casings ever made by the company, at more than 60cm in diameter.

Unveiled recently to visiting delegates from the HTA Contact 2011 conference, the Demag Systec 1300T is the size of a double decker bus, with a shot weight of up to 5,220g and a linked ATM ES3000 HS robot capable of lifting 40kgs.

Complete with associated conveyors, sorters and new tooling, the fully automated new Demag will also support future new product development at Midpoint Park, said the firm, with its larger tools and greater number of impressions set to increase capacity at the factory without the need for additional machines.

At the same time, Hozelock has enhanced its hose production lines with the addition of new braiders, printers and extrusion equipment to support the introduction of its new 2011 hose range and further accelerate response times.

The company is shortly due to announce details of a new £1.5m marketing communications investment, including a national TV and press advertising campaign for the AutoReel.