Ink firm plans to double turnover

The small business manufactures inkjet inks that are sold to digital printers worldwide and has worked with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) North West at The Manufacturing Institute to boost productivity by 20% and double machine productivity. Mark Hunter recently took a tour of the factory, employing 19 people, and heard how the company had been helped to add £56,000 to its bottom line and safeguard jobs. ITL exports 75% of its products, its specialist inks being used in pitch-side banners at many Premiership football grounds, and by famous brands such as Coca-Cola, Kellogg's, Nestle and Pirelli to code and mark their products. Managing director Robin Titterington said: "We have ambitions to double our turnover in the next three years and the help and advice of MAS has been invaluable in improving our business and creating the right platform for growth. They coached us in lean manufacturing techniques to ensure we work smarter and use our machinery more efficiently. I was sceptical at first, but the support was very practical and focused on our specific needs. It made our people realise we were serious about business improvement and encouraged them to get fully involved. We are now in a position where we are recruiting new people and two new starters have joined this week." Small and medium sized manufacturing businesses employing fewer than 250 people are eligible for a funded on-site manufacturing review. For further information, contact 0800 093 9077, www.mas-nw.co.uk Pictured (l-r) are: Robin Titterington, MD, ITL; Mark Hunter MP and Adam Buckley, Head of Programmes, MAS North West.