Rebuild of Unit 4 

MRT is delighted to announce the completion of the latest phase of our on-site redevelopment programme.  Following the relocation to our new foundry building in 2021, Unit 4, the erstwhile home of our diecasting operations, was left empty and to be honest, a little worse for wear.

Built in 1965, the building was originally constructed as a foundry but lacked many of the “mod cons” expected of a more modern facility, including no form of insulation or heating whatsoever! 

Despite its shortcomings, it’s situated at the heart of MRT’s Andover operations alongside our main CNC machining facility, and just across the road from our new foundry site. This made it an obvious choice for redevelopment, adding valuable capacity, and optimising the layout and efficiency of our Andover site. 

Back to Basics 

In collaboration with our trusted team of architects and construction partners, we began the redevelopment in April 2024.  The building was stripped right back before the process of breathing new life into the old Unit 4 began. 

The brief was to create a modern workshop and warehouse space to provide a streamlined operation with an eagle eye on efficiency and sustainability. The mission became, in short, a massive recycling project. Our aim was to retain  the original space, while refurbishing it to the highest modern standards. 

We replaced the roof and insulated the original walls to provide a sleek modern appearance.  Internally the old flooring and diecasting bays were treated to a complete makeover, creating new spaces for warehouse, finishing and logistics bays.

Good to Be Green

Sustainable ultra-efficient heating systems, and de-stratification fans were installed, along with fast-action insulated roller curtains.  LED lighting with motion sensors were fitted throughout, and on the roof, we’ve installed 67kw of PV Solar panels, which not only power “New Unit 4”, but also the surrounding units. 

The combined effect means that the new building achieves a maximum A+ energy performance certificate rating, meaning it actually generates more energy than it consumes, making it fully Net Zero.  Not bad for a run-down 1965 foundry unit!     

New Building, New Start

Unit 4 is the new home for our vibratory finishing, final inspection and packing operations, alongside a dedicated warehouse space, and central good inwards/outwards bay to manage the logistics for the complete business.  The move has meant an expansion of our machining operation, with all 18 Brother CNC machining centres now under one roof. The offices of the old foundry have been redeveloped into a smart, new welfare block, with canteen and washrooms.  

The “Unit 4 Project” underlines our ongoing commitment to continuous investment to position MRT not only as a great place to work but also as an agile, responsive and technically advanced UK diecasting partner. 

Job Done!