Two key appointments have been made by leading sealing products maker Flexitallic to improve efficiency in its engineering operations.

The Cleckheaton-based company has added two continuous improvement specialists as part of the US-owned group’s programme of investment in its processes and manufacturing capabilities.

Flexitallic, the global market leader in the manufacture and supply of specialised sealing products and services, has recruited Steve Flooks and Paul Voyce to its engineering team at the site, which employs about 250 people.

Steve Flooks has been appointed manufacturing engineering manager to head up the engineering department and Paul Voyce has joined in the newly-created role of continuous improvement champion.

Before joining Flexitallic, Steve was continuous improvement manager at OneSubsea. He will oversee the company’s quality drive as well as managing capital investment and site maintenance projects at the Cleckheaton manufacturing plant which produces a range of precision seals and gaskets, mainly for the oil and gas and chemicals production sectors across the globe.

Flexitallic, which marked its centenary in 2012, has also designed components for use in aerospace and aircraft engines, gas turbines, diesel engines, heat exchangers and pump, valve and tank manufacturers Paul has joined Flexitallic from Bosch where he was production systems co-ordinator responsible for implementing lean manufacturing processes in three business units.

Through a newly-created Flexitallic operating system, the engineering team will implement a programme of continual development within the business, which will improve its operations and boost productivity.

This includes six-figure investments in new production equipment and maintenance operations. Work will include investing in a range of health and safety and maintenance equipment and upgrading its air filtration system.

The investment will also support supply chain development to encourage the adoption of refined processes and techniques to meet Flexitallic’s quality thresholds.

Initially, five of Flexitallic’s key product divisions – including Flexpro Kammprofiles, Sigma and Spiral Wound Gaskets – will see the implementation of the new operating system and improvement processes overseen by the engineering department.

Steve said: “Continuous Improvement is an essential element of helping Flexitallic maintain and grow its position in the global gasket and sealing product industry. Through a set of guiding principles and the support of our workforce we will be able to implement change within the company that will deliver significant productivity and quality benefits to the business and our customers.”

Paul added: “Consistent innovation of design and manufacture has enabled Flexitallic to be at the forefront of the industrial sealing sector. This is matched by its commitment to quality within its processes and operations, which we will drive through our Continuous Improvement programmes.”