A FIREPLACE manufacturer in Huddersfield has its eyes on further expansion – after rescuing another local firm.

Fired Up Corporation Ltd, based at Longroyd Bridge, has bought Dalton-based Aurora Marble Ltd from the administrators for an undisclosed sum.

Fired Up chief executive Richard Kaye said it was intended to continue manufacturing at Aurora’s existing Green Lea Mills site – and pledged to return the well-known business to profitability.

He said: “This acquisition strengthens Fired Up’s current offering to the UK fires and fireplace industry and contributes towards the company’s strategy of growth by acquisition.

“Under our management, Aurora will continue to produce the same great products it always has, but in a more efficient and sustainable manner – securing and growing Yorkshire manufacturing jobs.”

Aurora Marble has been trading for 26 years and is a well-known and respected brand in the UK fireplace industry.

At the height of its success, the company employed more than 90 people and had annual turnover exceeding £9m.

However, the business fell victim to the recession and the downturn in the building industry which left it struggling to make a profit before it went into administration earlier this month.

Mr Kaye said Fired Up had weathered the current economic climate well.

The group was experiencing growth in the UK fireplace industry through its Adam brand.

It was also enjoying success in the global hotel and hospitality industry after its 2009 takeover of John Corby Ltd, maker of the Corby Trouser Press.

Mr Kaye said the acquisition of Aurora Marble would strengthen its product range in the fireplace industry and increase Fired Up’s customer base. Fired Up’s clients include leading high street chains and more than 200 independent retailers.

Fired Up has kept on five of Aurora’s previous employees and hopes to recruit more staff – to continue serving Aurora’s existing customers and extend its products to Fired Up clientele.

Mr Kaye said the new owners aimed to return Aurora to profitability, adding: “With overheads and operational process reduced or refined, Fired Up expect significant growth – benefiting the Huddersfield and wider Yorkshire economy.”

Fired Up Corporation, which also has manufacturing operations in China producing rice cookers and electric fires, sells products throughout the UK and in more than 50 countries.

The group, based at St Thomas’ Road, specialises in electrical assembly, mainly for the domestic, hotel and hospitality markets.

Its successful China venture resulted in the company winning the China Business Award for Yorkshire and Humber earlier this year.