Member Article

Yorkshire cast iron manufacturer invests £170k to leverage growth and create jobs

Yorkshire-based cast iron manufacturer, Batley Foundry has invested a total of £170k in strengthening the business by investing in machinery and creating new jobs.

The firm has seen a £20k grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as well as £150k alongside this grant to drive growth and to purchase state-of-the-art machinery and employ two new members of staff.

It has aided in purchasing 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.

Batley Foundry currently works in international markets, including Europe and the United States, dealing in power generation, machine tooling, marine engineering and construction.

Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, 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.”

Leader of Kirklees Council Cllr 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.“

Mike Powell, sales and commercial director at Batley Foundry, said: “This investment has been fundamental to improve our machinery efficiency. 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. We also needed a new cooling system, and the grant has ensured that we can purchase this and continue our journey of expansion.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .