This will specialise in the design and manufacture of tough, hard-wearing and practical bespoke padded bags, covers and associated products that will complement the vast range of case and trunk products offered by the 5 Star Group.
Manufacturing for ProTect is based at the existing 5 Star site in Cambridgeshire in a separate production unit recently acquired to help facilitate a general increase in business throughout 2013.
Being in a dedicated space will keep a separation between the case and the bag divisions and ensure maxim efficiency for the ProTect production process, which is headed up by operations manager, Andy Hudson, who has worked for 5 Star for over 23 years.
ProTect's products will bear all the hallmarks of 5 Star's acclaimed British-made marque including high quality, innovation and robust engineering.
All types of padded bags can be produced to house virtually any piece of kit, including laptops, lighting and sound equipment, cameras, medical and telecoms kit as well as slip over covers for loudspeakers etc. - all available in a full range of smart and vibrant colours to match and contrast with existing branding and idents.
This new venture has involved investment in five industrial sewing machines complete with skilled machinists who have been recruited to run them, a computer controlled embroidery machine, and most recently, a Roland Digital printer and laminator facility.
This wide format printer can output onto numerous materials including Nylon and PVCs for the bag division, as well as custom printed panels for the case manufacturing section.
Andy Hudson comments, "For some time there has been a gap in the market for high-end top quality soft bags for a variety of entertainment, industrial and commercial applications where ultimate portability and safe transportation is vital. We can now fill that with a full range of products backed by our expertise and knowledge."
(Jim Evans)
