Manufacturing with Purpose: Inside ISCAL’s Inclusive Production Model

Event Overview

Join fellow CKMA members for a different kind of factory visit — one that goes beyond process improvement and peer benchmarking to explore the role of manufacturing in delivering real social value.

ISCAL (the Coaster Factory), a social enterprise owned by Calderdale Council, combines commercial manufacturing with supported employment and work experience for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) residents. Alongside its established product lines, ISCAL is now diversifying into wood recycling and new product development.

Please note this event is only open to and guests by invitation. Manufacturing members will receive priority.

Why Attend

This visit offers a unique opportunity to see how an inclusive production environment operates in practice — and to engage in an open discussion about the commercial realities of sustaining this model. It's designed for manufacturing leaders, operations professionals, and decision-makers who want to:

• Understand how manufacturing can deliver meaningful social value
• Explore alternative workforce models and inclusive employment practices
• Gain insight into the challenges of balancing impact with commercial sustainability
• Identify opportunities to collaborate, partner, or strengthen local supply chains
• Contribute ideas and perspectives to support the future of this model

• Guided factory tour of ISCAL’s production environment
• Insight into how processes and workflows are adapted to support SEND employees
• Overview of ISCAL’s current operations and diversification into wood products
• Open discussion on commercial sustainability and future direction
• Opportunity to network with peers and explore potential collaboration

• Manufacturing and social value in practice
• Inclusive employment and workforce development
• Commercial viability in social enterprise models
• Local supply chain opportunities and partnerships
• The evolving role of manufacturing in the community

• Manufacturing business owners and leaders
• Operations, production, and HR professionals
• Supply chain and procurement leads
• Organisations interested in ESG and social value
• Businesses open to collaboration and local sourcing opportunities

ISCAL is a Calderdale Council-owned social enterprise providing supported employment and training opportunities for SEND residents. Through its manufacturing operations, it delivers both commercial products and measurable social impact within the local community.

CKMA’s factory visits programme connects manufacturers across Calderdale and Kirklees, providing opportunities to share insight, explore different operating models, and build valuable business connections.

• Places are limited to ensure a high-quality experience
• Early booking is recommended
• Full joining instructions will be shared ahead of the visit

This is an opportunity to explore, challenge, and contribute to a different model of manufacturing.

Join us to see how business, community, and impact come together — and what that could mean for your organisation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Atlas Business Park, Gibbet Street, Halifax, United Kingdom

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