Member Article

Teesside manufacturer wins £100k steel investment

UK Steel Enterprise has unveiled a £100,000 investment into Teesside-based frying range supplier, Martyn Edwards-Frank Ford Ltd.

The company, which supplies cooking equipment to fish and chip shops, said it is now the UK’s largest manufacturer of frying ranges, and will use the investment to push into the European market, especially in Scandinavia.

Investment from Tata Steel subsidiary, UK Steel Enterprise, will also support the firm’s plans to expand its “Omega” range.

Martyn Edwards-Frank Ford currently employs 38 people and manufactures its ranges at a 30,000 sq ft premises in Redcar ran by managing director, Dave Atkinson.

Mr Atkinson said: “We manufacture three types of frying range, all custom built to meet the exact requirements of each fryer, but 70% of our current production is Omega and our order book, totalling more than £250,000, is full until April.

“It has been a lengthy process developing the Omega, but the time and effort is really paying off for us now.

“It delivers market leading technology and is ticking all the boxes for fast food businesses particularly at a time when energy prices are rising.

“The UK Steel Enterprise investment came along at just the right time as finding finance is difficult and can involve dealing with a mountain of paperwork as well.”

Simon Hamilton, regional manager for UK Steel Enterprise, added: “We are delighted to be backing Martyn Edwards-Frank Ford Ltd which is a real success story for Teesside and the Northern region.

“The company is already the UK’s largest manufacturer in its sector and we have every confidence that they will succeed in Europe.

“As a Tata Steel subsidiary working to help create jobs and wealth in steel areas we are particularly glad to be supporting a company run by two people with connections to the steel industry.”

Martyn Edwards-Frank Ford also provides repair, maintenance and cleaning services and round-the-clock support to companies, while the firm has plans to develop a refurbishment division for old equipment acquired through part exchange.

Mr Atkinson concluded: “We are very positive about our future. We expect to create around five new jobs within the next year and have our sights set on doubling the size of our production facility in Redcar.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .