Adpak Machinery, a leading shrink wrapping machine supplier based in Lancashire, has joined callsagainst an electricity price hike in coming years

EEF is fighting back, rallying against a predicted rise in electricity prices and calling on government to do more to protect British manufacturers.

The well-known manufacturing organisation says with electricity rates set to jump by as much as 50% by the time we reach 2020 that competitiveness and investment could be significantly undermined.

Newly released research also suggests that up to a quarter of manufacturers in the UK would consider looking outside the country for facilities if electricity does rise by as much as has been predicted.

North East region director of EEF, Liz Mayes, explained that that many industries relying on lots of energy will take a big hit if the price of electricity continues to climb.

“The North East economy is in parts heavily dependent on energy intensive industries, for which the UK competitive position on energy costs plays a vital role in future investment decisions,” said Mayes. “This research is a wake-up call that the tension between the pursuit of low carbon policies and Britain’s ambitions for a better-balanced economy must be resolved. Failure to do so could hit investment, margins and competitiveness, putting the brakes on growth and leaving our economy stuck in the slow lane.

EEF would like to see a “fresh approach” taken by the government, with more emphasis placed on capitalising on low carbon technologies and markets, reasoning that current prices are ‘crippling for manufacturers’ and present a real burden.

“Above all, we are seeking a firm commitment to implement the Energy Intensive Industries package announced in the 2014 Budget as soon as possible,” she said.

Responding to the findings, Adpak Machinery Systems Ltd, a company known for their shrink wrapping solutions, put their support behind the EEF.

“As has been highlighted by most, the problem with energy prices rising significantly is that it has an unfortunate knock-on effect in that it negatively impacts the manufacturing sector. In the last year or so the industry has really bounced back and optimism is at its highest we’ve seen for a while, but that could all be undone if crippling energy prices are introduced.”

Adpak Machinery have a wide range of new and used shrink wrapping units. They’re based in Nelson, Lancashire but deliver services throughout the UK. To find out more about their professional solutions, visit their website at www.adpakmachinerysystemsltd.co.uk.