ARRK to integrate four UK companies into one

The Japanese-owned group, which has a large presence in the UK, said: “This new entity will allow greater coordination of services for its customers in design, engineering, prototyping, tooling and low volume manufacturing.”

The move, unveiled by chairman Toshihiro Araki, will be driven by the managing director of ARRK’s UK operations, Tony Lowe, and is intended to offer its clients the benefit of a wide range of integrated services from a single source company.

ARRK said the unification “will potentially reduce programme development time and introduce greater efficiencies. In addition, ARRK Europe Ltd will be able to enhance its full line capability from design to production, delivering best in class for service and product development.”

Under the unification process there will be no plant closures or job losses, said ARRK spokesman Marc Bouvier. But prior to the announcement about company integration, ARRK Tooling Development had started a reorganization of its operations, which will lead to the closure of its plant in Havant. Work will be transferred to its other plant in Petersfield, and workers affected by the Havant closure are in a consultation process.

ARRK gained a number of sites in the UK through a process of acquisition and has built up capabilities in the whole product development chain. Until now, the four ARRK businesses have operated independently, coordinating their activities where required to meet customer needs.

Two companies, ARRK R&D and NPL Technologies, will begin the transition by merging into ARRK Europe by the end of March. The group said its intention is to merge its two other mainstream businesses, ARRK PDG (which specialises in prototyping) and ARRK Tooling (tooling and moulding), into the new company later this year.

Tony Lowe said: “It is well known within the industry that ARRK offers a wide variety of services, however, it has sometimes been difficult for our customers to appreciate the full service offering and how we have worked together over the years. By joining forces as one entity, our customers now have the ideal solution for their product development and low volume manufacturing needs.”

He said customers can continue to use ARRK services on an individual basis if they wish.

“The unification of our businesses will result in a stronger and more adaptable organisation benefiting customers across the UK and mainland Europe.”

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