All hands to pump as huge order fulfilled

Oilgear Towler beat off fierce international competition to design and manufacture the parts to drive and control an enormous forging press for China’s Qinhai Kangtai Company.

Kieran Doyle, managing director, told the Yorkshire Post: “In a global market where cost leadership, quality and on time delivery are essential, Oilgear Towler has made a statement on behalf of British manufacturing by successfully competing against worldwide competition and delivering to schedule.”

He said the company’s US parent originally replied to the tender, but then decided that only the Leeds office had the expertise to fulfil the order.

The plant in Burley Road took on the project management, design and build of the control system, which is made up of 48 high-pressure pumps.

Laid out, the parts for the press cover an area equivalent to a football pitch, said Mr Doyle.

The contract has increased Oilgear Towler’s turnover to £12m, from £8m. The company employs 80 people and dates back to the 1930s when Towler Brothers pioneered high-speed hydraulic pumps capable of operating at high pressure.

Mr Doyle said UK manufacturing is recovering its edge by focusing on “cost leadership” and gaining ground in sourcing and productivity while developing nations are have to cope with rising wages as workers demand “a TV in every room”.

“UK manufacturing is starting to become competitive again,” added Mr Doyle.

His challenge now is to maintain turnover at the new level.

“We look to use this best in class performance as a springboard to growth in 2013 while tending for similar contracts around the world,” he said.

Mr Doyle, who became MD in November, said the staff have character and customer focus to succeed in challenging times.