Stockport engineering firm marks 20th anniversary in the UK

Stockport engineering firm, BFT Automation is celebrating its 20th anniversary of doing business in the UK.

The automation specialist was originally founded in Italy in 1981. BFT opened its first UK branch in the North of England in 2004, when it also joined the Somfy Group, a global specialist in automation products for gates, garages, awnings, blinds and smart home solutions.

Today, BFT employs over 35 people in the UK and has two distribution centres with training facilities in Stockport and Swindon. Over the years, BFT has provided expert training for industry professionals from its two training centres, where installers of various experience levels are able to gain essential training for the products designed and sold by BFT. The company has built a reputation for providing some of the best customer service and technical support in the industry.

Matthew Batson, the Sales Operations Director in the UK was one of the first employees at BFT and is one of three original staff members still working at the company. Commenting on the 20-year success, he said:

“We are so proud and feel privileged to celebrate 20 years’ industry success and being part of the Somfy Group. Looking back to 2004, it was a very exciting time. We were part of something brand new, knowing that although we were only a small team of five, we had the full backing and support of a global brand.

“Today, we are part of something even bigger – a large team of more than 35 people in the UK, two busy distribution centres and two successful training academies in Stockport and Swindon. We are also looking forward to introducing our installers to our next generation of new products, designed exclusively by BFT.”

The next generation product line will officially be launched to installers at the BFT Open Day on Thursday 16^th May at the Stockport office.