Ceramex has opened a new diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning and refurbishment facility in Reading. It represents an investment of £3m and can process more than 2,500 DPFs per week, the company says.
Ceramex Managing Director Colin Lewis explains that requirements for DPF cleaning are ramping up as early signs of market recovery start to emerge. He also notes that an increase in numbers of vehicles in the market that are equipped with DPFs, and a move towards tightening air quality standards in cities, are influencing demand.
Ceramex commissioned part of the 67,000ft2 plant as its logistics hub during the earlier stages of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic as restrictions delayed the fit-out process. That allowed more storage for DPFs, permitting rapid turnaround, and enableed the company’s existing Slough facility to operate more effectively with social distancing measures in place.
“We are starting to return to pre-pandemic levels of DPF cleaning volume. As that continues, Ceramex is delighted to open the doors to its new DPF refurbishment facility in Reading, which will enable the business to serve the growing needs of our pan-European customer base,” adds Mr Lewis.
He says that fitment of DPFs to more vehicles is leading to “a steady upward trajectory” in demand for cleaning and refurbishment. “This significant facility upgrade investment will not only cement our market leading position, but also the company’s ability to handle significantly more volume in the coming years.
“Expansion reaffirms our focus on helping customer to achieve renewed momentum and also highlight the importance of efforts being made to improve air quality by minimising vehicle emissions.”
