APRIL 16–SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND–Perlos is investing around $1.5 million to double its cleanroom capacity at its facility here.

UK marketing manager Ian Jobling said the Finnish firm was building an “identical copy” next to its existing 16,000-square-foot cleanroom.

The investment follows last year’s news that Perlos had spent a similar amount on its pharmaceutical business, which included installing its existing cleanroom.

Jobling said the firm would move some of its 60 injection moulding machines into the new space, and would buy another new machine for its site. He said the firm had invested heavily in automation and that most machines were fitted with six-axis robots.

Jobling added that the firm used Fanuc all-electric machines: “If you’re making very precise components where accuracy is critical, the all-electric machine can give you that result,” he said. “The clean, efficient process is outstanding compared with hydraulic machines.”