A foundry business in Kirklees has invested in new machinery and created more jobs following a five-figure boost.

Batley Foundry secured a £20,000 grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Business Growth Programme, which is supported by the government’s Regional Growth Fund.

The money has helped the firm buy state-of-the-art machinery and employ two new members of staff.

It has helped purchase a furnace control system, which works at a 20% faster pace than the previous model and has ensured that Batley Foundry can produce its goods more efficiently.

The company, which employs 22 staff, has invested more than £150,000 alongside the grant to help drive its innovation programme and boost revenue.

Mike Powell, sales and commercial director, said product output would continue to grow as Batley Foundry is now able to pour greater volumes of metal thanks to the machinery – opening its business up to more markets.

Batley Foundry works in overseas markets, including Europe and the USA in power generation, machine tooling, marine engineering and construction.

LEP chairman Roger Marsh said: “Batley Foundry is one of Yorkshire’s most established businesses - producing cast iron for nearly 100 years - and remains one of the few foundries left in the City Region. We are delighted to have been able to assist in purchasing vital equipment to enable the company to increase production and open up new opportunities for business growth.”

Kirklees Council leader Clr David Sheard said: “Keeping our established businesses in the district and helping them to grow is vital to future prosperity. The impact is felt by the local community, the supply chain, the local shops and the employees, so I am pleased the company has benefited from the Business Growth Programme.”

Mr Powell said the investment had been fundamental to improving machinery efficiency. He said: “The previous model was 41 years old and the new system is much more reliant and time effective. We are now able to use the furnace to full capacity which has created a wider market sector for the company.”