Small manufacturers in Yorkshire are continuing to invest in their businesses as they look to capitalise on new opportunities, it has merged.
And Huddersfield companies are among those leading the way.
The latest findings from the government’s Manufacturing Advisory Service show that 62% of firms in the region are planning to spend more on plant and machinery with 48% channelling increased funding into developing new technologies. The figures are up by 16% and 7% respectively on the same period last year.
There was similar optimism when asked about confidence to recruit. Exactly half of companies said they were looking to create new jobs in the next six months, up from 38% in March, 2013.
The report said: “It appears that firms are looking to take advantage of new opportunities, including expansion and reshoring of supply chains in automotive, aerospace and nuclear.”
Jeff Monks, managing director of Meltham-based injection moulding specialist Harold Fisher (Plastics) Ltd, said his company was winning more business which previously had been imported.
Mr Monks, a member of the Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance, said: “The short lead times which we are able to achieve enable our customers to be more responsive to their market demands.
“Customers also appreciate the value that we add through our involvement in the product design in the development stage, helping them minimise tooling costs and selecting the appropriate materials.”
MAS also reported that 62% of SME manufacturers were enjoying higher sales and 70% expected to win new work between now and October.
It said: “This is the clearest signal yet that our manufacturers believe the upturn is sustainable. Three record figures for recruitment and investment in machinery and technology suggest many small manufacturers are planning for the long-term and, encouragingly, they are taking action now to manage future expansion.
“Our Barometer also highlights that small and medium sized manufacturers are contributing strongly to jobs growth and expect to continue to recruit. “
But he added: “They may find it harder to follow this trend, especially in advanced manufacturing sectors, unless they invest in training and retention.”
Huddersfield-based Westin Ltd, which makes prestige domestic cooker hoods, has grown by more than 50% since the turn of the decade and is on course to smash the £3.5m annual sales barrier by the end of this year.
Director Ian Sheppard said: “We’ve had a really good three years and grown our market share significantly – predominantly through our bespoke design service, the quality of our products and the excellent customer service and response times you simply can’t get on the continent.
“There has also been over £750,000 invested into making our Leeds Road facility world class, with the acquisition of a new laser cutting machine, refurbishing the offices, workshop and the launch of a new design office.
“As a result of this growth, we have increased our workforce by four people in the last two years – including two apprentices – taking the total number of staff employed to 39.”
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