Source visit the Selden Research HQ

  • Posted By: Source Supplies
  • Published: 29/04/2013
  • Times Read: 1146

Selden Cover

Dave and Ollie recently visited the home of Selden Research who manufacturer the chemicals we have sold since the inception of Source Supplies. Having grown with the support of Selden, we thought it was high time that we got to know a bit more about how the chemicals we love are produced.

Nestled in a picturesque valley in Buxton, this is where it all happens; from conception in the lab through to warehousing and loading the lorries for distribution across the world.

Selden's magnificent warehouse Selden's magnificent warehouse

Some facts to get things started;

  • Selden is only 1 of 2 chemical manufacturers in the UK to have their own in-house laboratory and team of chemists
  • Selden produces 40 million litres of cleaning chemical each year
  • Selden employs circa 140 people 
  • Selden was started by the Woodhead family in 1968 and is remains a family run business today
  • Selden factory is currently 73,000 sq ft with an additional 24,000 sq ft facility for training and testing 
  • 1500 sq ft of roof space is used for solar energy with a £250,000 investment in pollution-free electricity
  • Selden is ISO9001 & ISO14001 accredited
  • Selden have a IPPC permit - The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (IPPC) to minimise air, land and wateremissions is enforced by the Environment Agency. An IPPC permit is the single highest environmental accreditation for manufacturers and stipulates a strict minimum level of environmental protection across all aspects of manufacturing
  • Selden invested over £1m in a bulk storage tank farm enabling them to receive over 6 million litres of 30 key raw materials annually by road tanker without any associated packaging

Selden have been instrumental in developing some of the most advanced cleaning chemicals available on the market. In an industry with ever-changing market trends, Selden boast a product range that can align with any market requirements.

A product starts its life here. Concepts are thoroughly researched and tested before they go into production. The chemists provide us with an invaluable advice service, offering their expertise on product queries and best-fit solutions. A product starts its life here. Concepts are thoroughly researched and tested before they go into production. The chemists provide us with an invaluable advice service, offering their expertise on product queries and best-fit solutions.

Selden have their ear to the ground and have extensive knowledge of many products on the market, not just theirs Selden have their ear to the ground and have extensive knowledge of many products on the market, not just theirs

Selden's raw chemicals are held in their tank farm. These are channeled into the factory in overhead pipes Selden's raw chemicals are held in their tank farm. These are channeled into the factory in overhead pipes

Specific machines are used for triggers, aerosols and 5 litre bottles. Once the run is finished, they flush it through and recycle the waste chemical so nothing is ever wasted Specific machines are used for triggers, aerosols and 5 litre bottles. Once the run is finished they flush it through and recycle the chemical with zero waste.

Most of Selden's factory is automated with one engineer assigned to each robot. Most of Selden's factory is automated with one engineer assigned to each robot.

Even the boxes make themselves Even the boxes make themselves

Selden frequently reinvest in machines to streamline the production line and improve efficiency Selden frequently reinvest in machines to streamline the production line and improve efficiency

Millions of labels are produced each year in their print suite. And you thought your toner bill was expensive! Millions of labels are produced each year in their print suite. And you thought your toner bill was expensive!

Selden have bespoke software that enables them to monitor production statistics to the highest detail Selden have bespoke software that enables them to monitor production statistics to the highest detail

Selden have an innovative narrow-isle warehouse that maximizes capacity Selden have an innovative narrow-isle warehouse that maximizes capacity

This special 'forklift' tracks on magnets under warehouse floor and drives itself. The operator works from an on-board computer. This special telescopic 'forklift' tracks on magnets under warehouse floor and drives itself. The operator works from an on-board computer.

Products are scanned and loaded ready for distribution across the globe. Products are scanned and loaded ready for distribution across the globe.

Selden have an in-house training academy which is also where they test their products. Selden have an in-house training academy which is also where they test their products.

Selden aftersales is top notch. Selden provide an excellent COSHH and product training service in tandem with Source Supplies which always improves the quality of cleaning and ensures the best product is being used for the job Selden aftersales is top notch. Selden provide an excellent COSHH and product training service in tandem with Source Supplies which always improves the quality of cleaning and ensures the best product is being used for the job

If you would like to benefit from Selden's extensive product range and expertise, please get in touch with your requirements and we can provide a solution. From concentrated housekeeping dosing systems to specialist industrial chemicals, Selden have the experience, the knowledge and the answer!