600 Group head office move brings company together

The move, which will be complete by the end of November, is a significant step in concentrating the activities of the Group on its machine tool, components and laser marking businesses. 600 Group is the largest UK machine tool group, owning a portfolio of marques such as Colchester-Harrison, Pratt Burnerd, Gamet Bearings and the world-leading Electrox laser markers. The entire headquarters of the Group, including: chief executive David Norman; group finance director Martyn Wakeman; and managing director, Machine Tool Division David Richardson will be based in a dedicated office suite within the Heckmondwike premises. “The move is important. A head office remote from the principal operation doesn’t have any tangible benefits,” explained Mr Norman. “In addition to an obvious reduction in overhead, it demonstrates clearly our commitment to providing high quality, application driven machine tools. It allows local managers to have regular contact and it encourages the informal networks which are necessary to move the business forward. 600 Group is a leading machine tool manufacturer, providing world-class machines and components. Closer proximity to our operations will enable us to continue the development of our market leading status and the move to Heckmondwike is a significant step which also allows us to retain our West Yorkshire roots”. The move is the latest in a series of administrative changes effected by the Group in order to achieve operational efficiency throughout the organisation. Head office costs will be reduced as part of this initiative which will be of benefit to all businesses within the Group. More management time will be devoted to improving time to market for new products and co-ordination of the global supply chain in order that all of the Group’s UK and international outlets are in a position to meet local demand. Pictured: David Norman