AN Altrincham manufacturer of fitted furniture has invested in new machinery and bought its current premises - with the support of a five-figure funding package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Bluebell Fitted Furniture, based on Atlantic Street, is a family run firm that was founded by Alison and Mike Reuben in September 1992.

It manufactures and sells a range of fitted furniture to customers across the North West, including kitchens, bedroom furniture and media areas.

Bluebell used an asset finance facility from Lloyds Bank to buy two new machines that will enable the company to make its production process more efficient.

It also purchased its 7,000 sq ft factory using a tailored funding package, which has provided the firm with the additional working capital that it needs to expand.

As a result of the investment, Bluebell expects to achieve a turnover of £2 million over the next 12 months, and will also be creating three new jobs for people in the Altrincham area.

It also worked closely with the team at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, who provided guidance on how the firm could speed up processes and reduce costs.

Bluebell also owns a 5,000 sq ft showroom on Washway Road in Sale.

Alison Reuben said: “Providing our clients with the highest standard of service is our top priority, and investing in the new machinery will ensure that we can make and install their furniture in the shortest possible time.

“We’ve worked with the team at Lloyds Bank for more than five years, and during this time they’ve provided us with both the tailored funding support and guidance that we’ve needed to expand successfully.

“Our relationship manager also recently introduced us to the team at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, who have worked closely with us to make efficiencies in our production process.”

Ben Clarke, manufacturing relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Asset finance facilities are perfect for companies like Bluebell Fitted Furniture, which are looking to invest in machinery without impacting their day-to-day cash flow.

“We are committed to helping manufacturing firms across Britain to prosper, and have pledged to provide the sector with £1 billion of new lending in 2017.

“We will also be introducing all of our clients to our skilled team at the Manufacturing and Technology Centre, who will work with them to identify opportunities for cost saving and improved productivity.”

Bluebell’s success has been further cemented by a recent win at the Chamber of Commerce awards for ‘Business of the Year’.