Drives, automation and power quality specialist CP Automation has expanded its European presence by opening an office and warehouse in Capendu, France. The facility, which opens in April 2021, is part of the company’s long-term commitment to support customers and suppliers in mainland Europe.
Located in the department of Aude in southern France, this is the second overseas expansion for the company. The strategic position between Narbonne and Carcassonne gives CP Automation a competitive advantage, providing easy access to partners in South Europe which has proven to be crucial post-Brexit.
The French office will be the fifth global location for the company, joining its existing South African facility and its three UK-based offices. CP Automation is a specialist in the supply of power quality, elevator and crane products, so the 2,500 square foot facility will also include 2,000 square feet of warehouse space.
Operations will largely mirror that of CP Automation’s successful Scunthorpe head office and the Bedford facility, also in the UK. Despite some companies relocating entirely to mainland Europe in response to Brexit, CP Automation has decided instead to expand with a new location.
CP Automation’s UK locations remain vital to the business. Bedford will continue to serve as the Magnetek centre of excellence for the elevator and crane markets, while Scunthorpe will be the centre of excellence for power quality and variable speed drive (VSD) peripherals. The new facility not only allows the company to better serve its existing European customers, but also allows room for further expansion in the future.
“As a company we’re always adapting, looking for ways to streamline our operations and make our business more efficient,” explained Tony Young, director at CP Automation. “However, this expansion onto French soil wasn’t a nice-to-have, it was a real business necessity. Despite Britain sealing a post-Brexit deal with the European Union, the need for the new office has arisen due to the problems importing and exporting associated with Brexit.
“With our new space in France, our routes to European markets will be easier without the red tape associated with shipping via the UK. This move strengthens our supply chain, allowing us to provide our expert customer support, speedy parts sourcing and competitive pricing that our customers have come to know us for. Our UK offices remain essential to our business, but this new office in France really safeguards our operations and should give our partners peace of mind.”
