Government minister praises Manchester firm

A leading UK retail display design company, based in Manchester, has been praised by the government industry minister Jacqui Smith in a speech outlining the achievements of the governments manufacturing strategy.

Failsworth based shop and display equipment specialist Crusader Displays more than trebled its operating profits in 18 months following assistance from the manufacturing institute.


Crusader, which design and manufacture tailor made retail and point of sale units for companies such as Boots, Halfords, all:sports and Specsavers, has embraced “lean manufacturing” principles that have helped the family-owned company grow its operating profits from £68,000 to £250,000.

Crusader carried out a two year programme to improve its efficiency, through measures which included relocating office suites and freeing space at the companies manufacturing facility in Failsworth, Manchester.

The industry minister Jacqui Smith praised Crusader in a speech outlining the achievements of the governments manufacturing strategy. She said: “Manufacturing contributes over £150bn every year to the UK economy, employs 3.5million people and accounts for more than half our exports.

“In May 2002, we published the first manufacturing strategy for over 30 years. One of its major successes has been the manufacturing advisory service, which has become a key source of practical advice.

“In the north west, the strategy is delivery by the manufacturing institute, which has provided an average added value of almost £250,000 to every company assisted in the region.

“Among the firms helped has been Crusader. Its transformation was largely due to its decision to embrace “lean manufacturing” principles recommended by the manufacturing institute. There is no doubt a company such as Crusader are competing in an increasingly global economy. They can stay ahead of the game by using cutting-edge technologies, skilled staff and scientific innovation”

Steve Turner, director for Crusader said “manufacturing is becoming more competitive all the time and new markets across the globe also introduces competition from these new economies. Cost control is more important than ever, and the lean manufacturing principles have made a real difference to our business. We are in no doubt that these changes will have a long term positive effect to our company and our customers”

Crusader currently employs 50 experienced staff with turnover in the region of £2.7m per year. The company will soon be celebrating 40 successful years in business at its current home in Manchester.