Recent Training for The Management Team
Posted on 5 Mar 2025 at 08:55
Over the past few months, our management team completed a six-stage training course, delivered by Fact3, to elevate the abilities and knowledge of our management team. The impactful training sessions were led by experts at Fact3 and the training covered essential aspects of management processes and procedures. We had in-depth discussions around HR and people management, as well as personal reflections.
Rosie Kay, Company Director at J & A Kay Ltd. says, “Thank you to the Fact3 team for orchestrating engaging and informative training. Their knowledge and commitment has undoubtedly contributed to the professional growth of our team at J & A Kay. Thank you also to the participating staff, we can already see the training being put into action.”
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Proud to be Environmentally Friendly!
Posted on 29 Nov 2024 at 09:58
At J&A Kay Ltd sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint and creating a cleaner, greener world.
We are proud to announce that we are BSI certified to ISO 14001 standards!
*No Landfill Commitment: We’re proud to say that none of our waste ends up in landfills. Every bit of waste we produce is responsibly handled, ensuring our operations contribute to a circular economy.
*Granulating ABS: We recycle our ABS materials by granulating them, giving new life to valuable resources, and reducing the need for new raw materials.
*Renewable Energy Sources: Our energy is sourced from 100% renewables. Lowering our carbon footprint while maintaining production efficiency.
Sustainable practices aren’t just a trend—they’re our responsibility. Together, let’s work towards a greener, more sustainable future!
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Support for Local Charities
Posted on 29 Nov 2024 at 09:45
Driven by purpose: Making a difference with Darwen Youth Zone.
Back in January 2022 Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone and the Darwen Business community, made a joint commitment to provide high-quality activities, 7 days a week, for the young people of Darwen.
Local businesses came together to get behind the initiative and an initial target of £250,000 was raised within 6 months of concept.
During 2022, more than 700 young people signed up for membership of Youth Zone Darwen and since this time, the service has welcomed these young people during more than 14,000 visits! Additionally, over 3,000 free hot meals have been provided to local young people to alleviate some of the hardship their families face during this cost-of-living crisis. The Youth Employability Hub, operating from Meeting Places in the Town centre, has also supported over 50 young people into employment since the initiative was launched.
Here at J&A Kay Ltd we think that Youth Zone Darwen is a brilliant idea and much needed in our Town. It has helped literally hundreds of youngsters so far by offering them somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. This should be a basic right of all young people, and we want to be involved every step of the way. After all, these will be our employees of the future, and it makes good business sense to give them the best start in life.
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Sub-Contracted Wall Tile Formings
Posted on 7 Oct 2024 at 09:19
This was a sub-contracted production run, which we turned around at very short notice. Manufactured from White ABS and Clear PETG, we vacuum formed and trimmed these tiles, which were used to create feature walls for shop fittings, fitted by the customer.
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Wind Turbine Electrical Protection
Posted on 7 Oct 2024 at 09:06
The customer approached us for a solution to the problem of potential water damage to sensitive electrical equipment.
In close co-operation with the customer, we developed a Vacuum Formed cover/ tray to protect the vulnerable switchgear in the hostile environment of offshore wind farms.
These were manufactured as an assembly which included a drainage connection to carry any water safely away.
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Curved Caravan Front Window
Posted on 7 Oct 2024 at 08:42
We produced the curved front window for this unique, pod style caravan, using 5mm hard coated Polycarbonate with a screen printed silver and black edge.
The window was drape formed and 5-axis CNC trimmed to achieve the desired shape.
This was a great project to work on with this customer and a wonderful product, fully made in the UK,
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Introducing our Head of Operations
Posted on 30 Aug 2024 at 09:53
Gary Holt joined us in January 2024 to support our growth and journey towards continued success. Gary has previously held senior positions across manufacturing sites supplying into Automotive, FMCG, packaging and food industries amongst others and has over 15+ years’ experience in plastic manufacturing.
Gary heads up our Operational performance where his key focus is simple; ensuring your products process through our facility and reach you when you want them! In doing this, Gary is key to introducing new tools , techniques, processes and standards from his wealth of manufacturing experience to enhance our operational capabilities and performance.
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We have achieved our ISO 9001:2015 with BSI
Posted on 12 Oct 2022 at 17:08
J & A Kay Ltd. have recently achieved ISO 9001:2015 with BSI for our Quality Management Systems.
Well done to all involved.
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We have achieved our ISO 45001:2018 with BSI
Posted on 12 Oct 2022 at 16:59
J & A Kay Ltd. have recently passed the audit to be certified to ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management System with BSI.
Well done to all involved.
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Our New CNC Machine Has Arrived!
Posted on 16 Jun 2022 at 11:14
Out with the old and in with the new!
Our new 5 axis CNC machine has arrived at J & A Kay Ltd. This has taken the place of our 30+ year old Belotti R04 CNC router, which had recently been removed by Frank Barnes Ltd. - thank you for this!
We can now look forward to programming the new CNC and working on it in the next few days.
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Bring Your Dog To Work Day
Posted on 9 Jul 2019 at 10:00
On Friday 21st June, we celebrated National Bring Your Dog To Work Day. We have had Alfie (the black Poodle) in the office for 12 years now and recently our new addition, Barnaby, (the red Poodle). So, it was lovely that other people could bring their dog in too. Richard brought in his Labradoodle, Koko in and the three curly pooches got into our local paper! We look forward to next years day and hope to have a few more dogs in causing mayhem.
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Our Cutomer Optare, Supplies Dubai With 94 Buses
Posted on 17 May 2018 at 10:28
Optare, one of the UK’s leading bus manufacturers and subsidiary of Indian-based Ashok Leyland are to supply 94 Solo buses to Dubai to the Roads and Transport Authority in a deal valued at circa £18m.
Optare will supply 8.5m Solos featuring Cummins Euro 5 engines, air conditioning, with a high specification including onboard wifi and smart phone USB charging sockets. The buses will seat up to 24 passengers with additional standing capacity and enter service in quarter one of 2019.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said, “The procurement of the new buses is part of a master plan set out to upgrade mass transit systems in Dubai and keep them aligned with the highest global practices. The plan also calls for providing best-in-class services to mass transit users and keeping abreast of the sustained growth of ridership of these modes. It conforms to RTA’s endeavour to make public transport the ideal mobility choice of people and push the share of public transport in people mobility to as much as 30 per cent by 2030. Achieving such objectives requires an offering of high-quality public transport options at affordable rates and with a wide geographical coverage.
Graham Belgum, Optare President, added, “The procurement of the Optare Solo is a new initiative marking the debut of this type of feeder style bus with Dubai Road Transport.”
Article in Bus and Coach May 2018 and at Optare.com
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New CNC Trimmer Ordered
Posted on 3 Nov 2017 at 14:13
2018 will see us take delivery of another 5 axis trimming machine. This one will have our largest envelope yet and represents a significant increase in our CNC capacity.
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New Apprentice Training Scheme for J & A Kay
Posted on 23 Aug 2017 at 10:40
We are proud to announce the launch of our apprentice training scheme. This reflects our strategy of creating a continuous drive for growing our employee skills, and supporting the development of our local young people.
David Kay, Managing Director, said this is an exciting initiative in our company, it provides an opportunity for an apprentice and employee alike, to formally be trained and achieve a recognised qualification. With ambition, there is the potential to progress within the organisation and be part of a sustainable solution for the future.
Congratulations and good luck to our new apprentices, Lauren and Tom.
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Worlds First Includes Parts From J & A Kay
Posted on 13 Apr 2017 at 11:25
Mellor Coachcraft will launch what it claims is the world’s first full low-floor electric minibus at this year’s CV Show at Birmingham (25-27 April).
The Orion E minibus has a nominal 100-mile range, according to Mellor, and can carry 16 seated passengers or up to four wheelchairs. The Orion E uses an electric front-wheel drive system with lithium ion batteries and has a single-step entry to a fully low-floor passenger saloon.
The new model looks identical to the diesel-powered Orion, and is based on the same chassis cab with an electric drive and gearbox in the engine bay. The battery packs have been distributed in several locations to optimise weight distribution.
“The project has taken us two years to complete,” says John Randerson, managing director, Mellor Coachcraft. “We looked at a number of different electromotive suppliers and products, with the aim of ensuring we could have absolute confidence in the product and drive train.
“We are extremely proud to be bringing the world’s first electric low-floor minibus to market, in a 12-month period during which Mellor has already launched no fewer than three new models. Our decision to develop this vehicle has been validated by the immediate interest shown by our customers.”
The Orion E has completed prolonged simulated test cycles, achieving compliance with all European regulations, according to Mellor and is also being developed as a left-hand drive vehicle for mainland European and other markets. Mellor is also eyeing up other sectors with an electric vehicle, including inner-city parcel and freight deliveries, where the low floor offers better manual handling than lift platforms and steps.
The first Orion E minibuses are expected to be delivered to customers in July.
J & A Kay have produced the parts for Mellor Coachcraft’s new bus, such as, the external skirts, internal trims and more.
See the full article at Bus & Coach here.
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Good News for the Boarders, Good News for J & A Kay, ADL & Optare
Posted on 13 Apr 2017 at 09:42
An investment of £3.5million in 30 new vehicles has been made by West Coast Motors for its new wholly owned subsidiary Borders Buses Ltd which took over First Scotland East’s operations in the Scottish Borders last month.
The acquisition involved the transfer of 116 employees based at Galashiels depot, Hawick, Peebles and Kelso outstations. All services operated by First Borders have been maintained on a like-for-like basis, according to Borders Buses.
The new vehicles include Alexander Dennis and Optare single-decks and ADL double-decks, some of which have already entered service.
“We are delighted to confirm the purchase of First Scotland East’s operations in the Scottish Borders and welcome our new customers and colleagues on board,” says Colin Craig, managing director, West Coast Motors. “Our investment is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to the Borders and beyond, and we look forward to expanding our bus network to serve new and existing customers.
“Whilst exciting, it’s important to add we do not underestimate the challenges which lie ahead. Borders railway has had a significant impact on the local bus network, but represents an opportunity for local bus services to be adapted to complement and enhance the public transport network in and around the Scottish Borders.
J & A Kay have produced parts for both Optare’s single-deck bus and ADL’s double-deck bus. These include, the forward screens, light embellishers, cab door and emergency doors.
See the full article from Bus & Coach here.
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Bright Sparks at Mellor use J & A Kay
Posted on 13 Mar 2017 at 14:30
Mellor Coachcraft will launch what it claims is the world’s first full low-floor electric minibus at this year’s CV Show at Birmingham (25-27 April).
The Orion E minibus has a nominal 100-mile range, according to Mellor, and can carry 16 seated passengers or up to four wheelchairs. The Orion E uses an electric front-wheel drive system with lithium ion batteries and has a single-step entry to a fully low-floor passenger saloon.
The new model looks identical to the diesel-powered Orion, and is based on the same chassis cab with an electric drive and gearbox in the engine bay. The battery packs have been distributed in several locations to optimise weight distribution.
“The project has taken us two years to complete,” says John Randerson, managing director, Mellor Coachcraft. “We looked at a number of different electromotive suppliers and products, with the aim of ensuring we could have absolute confidence in the product and drive train.
“We are extremely proud to be bringing the world’s first electric low-floor minibus to market, in a 12-month period during which Mellor has already launched no fewer than three new models. Our decision to develop this vehicle has been validated by the immediate interest shown by our customers.”
The Orion E has completed prolonged simulated test cycles, achieving compliance with all European regulations, according to Mellor and is also being developed as a left-hand drive vehicle for mainland European and other markets. Mellor is also eyeing up other sectors with an electric vehicle, including inner-city parcel and freight deliveries, where the low floor offers better manual handling than lift platforms and steps.
The Orion E minibuses are equipped with J & A Kay products, such as, the pillar cappings, coves, side casings and skirtings.
Vehichal Information: Woodall Nicholson (Mellor Coachcraft)
Article Credit: Bus and Coach Magazine
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See Our Bumpers On The Front Of Bus & Coach Magazine This Month!
Posted on 15 Feb 2017 at 10:28
To see these bumpers being made by ourselves, watch our video on our homepage or on YouTube, at 10 seconds in.
Image credit and full article here.
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J & A Kay Help Optare Hit The High Note
Posted on 20 Jan 2017 at 11:09
Perryman’s Buses, part of the West Coast Motors marked the arrival of four new vehicles on its Edinburgh commuter service with a performance from an East Lothian community choir.
The new Optare MetroCitys were launched for service 253, Berwick-upon-Tweed to Edinburgh via Dunbar and Haddington, and to entertain its customers on a cold winter’s day, Perryman’s Buses called on the musical talents of the DunbarSings choir to serenade commuters.
Karen Dietz, musical director, DunbarSings adds: “The new vehicals look great and as a regular Perryman’s customer I give the USB charging stations a big thumbs up.”
The offical launch of the vehicals coincided with a timetable update for the service 253 which no longer serves Haymarket Station in order to meed growing demand and maintain reliability.
J & A Kay has produced many parts for these vehicles, including: the dashboard, drivers door and cab door, drivers partitions and trims.
Read the full article here. As seen in BusandCoach.com Magazine January 2017.
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Good News for Mellor, Good News for J&AKay
Posted on 14 Dec 2016 at 09:40
Rochdale-based Mellor Coachcraft is launching a new high-floor version of its Sprinter-based Strata bus with up to 19 seats. The Strata HF is aimed primarily at the local authority and community transport sectors, according to Mellor, with a passenger lift at the rear and common styling features with the low-floor version launched earlier this year including the use of lightweight composite materials throughout.
Mellor says the model will have capacity of up to 19 seated passengers or up to seven wheelchairs with the possibility of 2+2 seating including 450mm wide seats on a flat floor with no slope and no internal steps.
The first vehicles are due to enter production shortly and it will come in medium- and long-wheelbase versions with the first vehicles scheduled to be delivered from March 2017.
A two-step entry with forward opening in-swing door combines with a new design of header panel which can be used as overhead storage above the cab or to incorporate destination equipment. To minimise downtime after minor accidents, all skirt panels and bumpers are bolt-on for quick replacement.
The medium-wheelbase version will accommodate up to 16 seats or up to six wheelchairs, while the long-wheelbase Strata HF can have up to 19 seats, or up to seven wheelchairs. Both variants will be fitted with full-length tracking to offer the seating flexibility and a wheelchair lift mounted at the rear, which can be either underfloor or inboard type.
Read more of this article here, at Bus and Coach.com
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J & A Kay Video Update!
Posted on 11 Nov 2016 at 11:30
We have just been to see the final edit of the video and it’s looking great! Just a few final tweaks and hopefully we will be sharing it with you soon!
Keep a look out for it on our website homepage.
In the mean time, there is a short video showing you some elements of what we do here at J & A Kay. For more information, please contact us on 01254 873535.
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Who Said There’s No Money in Plastics..
Posted on 7 Oct 2016 at 10:50
Distinguishing features on the new polymer fivers which went into circulation last week have prompted collectors to fork out hundreds of pounds for the new notes.
One eBay seller, robbieyeo68, based in Southampton, sold a new £5 note for £227.56 on Tuesday evening, a return of more than 4,000%.
If the code printed on the note starts with AA01 it means it is part of the first batch – and could be sold for a tidy profit.
The first ever note has the serial number AA01 000001, but is said to have been given to the Queen.
The new £5 note paves the way for a new generation of security features, making the note harder to counterfeit, the Bank of England claimed.
They include a see-through window featuring the Queen’s portrait as well as Big Ben shown in gold foil on the front of the note and silver on the back.
Novelist Jane Austen will be the face of the new £10 note from summer 2017.
Artist JMW Turner will appear on the next £20 banknote, due to be issued by 2020.
Article from Plastics & Rubber Weekly 30th September 2016 edition. Website article here.
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3D Printing
Posted on 15 Sep 2016 at 10:34
We now have small 3D printing unit, which will be a valuable tool for exploring product design and micro-manufacturing, in areas such as;
Product development
Investigating challenging features.
Specialist small volume production.
Pre-tooling product realisation
And more . . .
Our unit can accommodate two filament diameters 0.3mm & 0.8mm for greater flexibility.
Print envelope - 210 x 150 x 100mm
Printable materials include ABS, HIPS, PET, Nylon and others, all in a choice of colours.
Future proof, including potential swivel knife cutting and micro-machining developments..
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Testing Time for Manufacturers
Posted on 15 Sep 2016 at 10:32
The annual testing of competitor vehicles organised by First Bus took place this month at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. ADL, Optare and Wrightbus put their latest products through First Bus’ testing programme for the annual event which first took place in 2012.
In its latest round of testing First Bus hopes that new developments in vehicle technology will contribute towards a further 10 per cent improvement in both fuel efficiency and carbon emissions, on top of the 30 per cent reductions achieved since the annual testing started.
The results of the tests play a key part in the First Bus vehicle procurement strategy and since 2012 the company has invested around £300million in almost 1,600 new buses.
Using a testing procedure developed by First Bus and Millbrook’s engineers, each August vehicles are put through their paces on a course that is designed to reflect a variety of rural, urban and interurban bus routes.
To see the full article by Steve Rooney of Bus and Coach magazine, see here.
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Intelligent Lighting
Posted on 13 Sep 2016 at 15:28
We are delighted with the installation of intelligent lighting in some of our production bays.
The main objective was to enhance the environment for staff, with improved lighting distribution and intensity. We are pleased with the success on both counts. .
The installation will reduce our energy consumption by around 35,000kWh and over 18 tonnes of CO2 pa.
To read more about the responsibility we uphold in order to be environmentally conscientious, please click here.
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10 New Enviro400 Citys for Blackpool Transport
Posted on 23 Aug 2016 at 14:37
Blackpool Transport has launched ten new ADL Enviro400 City buses at a stakeholder event in the town this month.
The buses, which are the first of their kind in the UK outside of London, represent a £2.2million investment and build on the £1.7million investment made in ten new buses in 2015.
Blackpool Transport says it aims to have all its buses no older than five years by 2020.
The new Palladium branding and livery was designed in collaboration between Blackpool Transport and JR Buzz. The new buses feature E-Leather seats, wood-effect flooring, free wi-fi and USB charging points on the lower deck, along with next-stop audio announcements.
“A vital part of our transport plans is the modernisation of our bus fleet and the introduction of next-generation, low emission vehicles,” says Jane Cole, managing director, Blackpool Transport. “That journey has taken another significant step forward with the launch of these 10 ADL Enviro400 City buses today and our collaboration with ADL has allowed us to create a specific design for our customers, our drivers and will attract non-bus users too.”
Article from Bus and Coach Magazine. Issue 369, August 2016.
http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/2016/blackpool-launches-latest-palladium-buses-with-arrival-of-ten-e400-citys/
www.blackpooltransport.co.uk
J & A Kay have produced a variety of parts for these buses, including, the cab door, driver protection screen, emergency exit door, various trims and more.
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Website Video Coming Soon!
Posted on 22 Aug 2016 at 11:57
It’s an exciting day at J & A Kay, (the factory hasn’t look this tidy for a long time!) Filming is underway for our new website video, to give you some more incite to our company and what we do. You can also follow this link for more information about us, our facilities and capabilities.
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New buses in Blackburn
Posted on 12 Aug 2016 at 11:41
New buses have arrived for service in Blackburn & Hyndburn.
Ride on these smart vehicles and you will see many parts made by J&A Kay, including the dashboard, cab and emergency exit doors, ceiling panels, to name but a few.
Locally made with pride!
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New Chrome Product Now In Stock
Posted on 12 Aug 2016 at 11:40
The formable Bright Chrome product on a black ABS substrate has always been especially popular with customers in the automotive and signage sectors.
As a result of this, we have been looking into variations on the most sought after products. And as to popular demand, we have now got in stock a Bright Chrome foil sheet on a substrate of UltraTuf SG, which is a clear copolyester.
Having the Bright Chrome foil on a clear plastic substrate means that it is a perfect product for sign makers or designers as it can be back lit and still have the sleek look of Chrome when the lights are off.
It is also an attractive feature in the automotive sector as side and wheel trims, bonnet badges etc.
This sheet has a high impact resistance, it can be cold, brake and line bent as well as being easily thermoformed.
For more information about our UltraTuf SG Chrome laminates, contact us today.
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