The Slaithwaite-based firm’s funding success comes on the back of a 2019 to remember, which has seen the workshop bolster its workforce by 10 seeing the 50-strong business win a number of leading contracts – including a project to supply components for a large rail refurbishment project.
Although the six-figure boost will focus on funding an additional 6Kw laser and fully automated warehouse system with full connectivity to the two lasers meaning 24/7 capability on both machines – further bolstering the Old Bank business’s ambitious 2020 plans.
“This is the first part of a new phase of growth for us. Securing the LEP funds goes a very long way towards our projections of transforming Salamander from a £5 million turnover company to a £10 million organisation – so we couldn’t be happier,” said David McStrafick, a director at Salamander.
“We thrive on innovation and pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking manufacturer because we know the power of automation and what robotics can do. The new pieces of equipment will vastly enhance our efficiency, volume of output and maintain our high standard of work.
“Automation meets a huge demand for both customers and our workforce. The scale and speed at which we’ll be able to operate will be exponential and a huge boost towards expansion and upskilling our employees in new technology.”
Speaking about a commercially robust 2019 – and ambitions for the next 12 months, David added: “It’s been a huge and exciting year for Salamander – from the contract wins we’ve achieved to the development of our employees.
“We’ve got plenty more successes in the pipeline and the additional funds will no doubt help towards our goal of turning over eight figures in years to come.”
More details are set to be released about the automated machinery which is expected to arrive at the Huddersfield-based firm in January and April 2020.
In partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the LEP works with partners across public and private sectors to help businesses in the Leeds City Region to grow and become more productive. The LEP wants the region to be recognised globally as a strong, successful economy where everyone can build great businesses, career and lives.
