'From Batley to Guyana, Yorkshire manufacturing at its best': Angloco's £28m export success story
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has praised the work of a Yorkshire-based fire engine manufacturer which is saving lives and boosting its sales by establishing links with one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
The family-owned manufacturer Angloco, which is based in Batley, West Yorkshire, has grown an initial order for three vehicles into around £28m in sales to Guyana. The company has now supplied almost 200 fire and rescue vehicles over 25 years, supporting 160 jobs and businesses across its UK supply chain.
Angloco supplied affordable refurbished vehicles when budgets in Guyana were limited, before moving towards increasingly sophisticated equipment as the country’s economy developed.
Today, vehicles built in Batley can be found across Guyana, from fire stations and airports to remote communities.
The British High Commission is also supporting Angloco as it explores potential further opportunities in Guyana.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said the links highlight the growing economic relationship between the UK and Guyana as the two countries prepare to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations during The King’s state visit. Total UK-Guyana trade reached £2.2 billion in the 12 months to the end of March 2026, up 35.8 per cent on the previous 12 months.
Mr Miliband said: “From Batley to Guyana, this is Yorkshire manufacturing at its best, with almost 200 fire and rescue vehicles making the journey so far. As Guyana grows, we want British businesses to be part of that success, creating new opportunities overseas while supporting skilled jobs and prosperity here at home.”
Alistair Brown, managing director of Angloco, said: “What began with an order for three vehicles has grown into a relationship built over 25 years. We have got to know our partners, listened to what they need and adapted as Guyana has developed. That relationship supports our team in Batley and businesses across our UK supply chain, while helping Guyana’s emergency services protect communities across the country.”
An Angloco spokesman added: “Guyana is a really good example of how Angloco approaches export and why long term relationships are so important to our export success.
"For us, successful exporting isn’t about selling a customer the most expensive piece of equipment we can. It’s about understanding what they need, what they can afford and, importantly, what they can realistically maintain and support in their own country. This is a key part of our exporting success.
“Sometimes an older, higher quality vehicle will provide a much better operational capability than a cheaper new alternative. Affordability and supportability are equally important, and there’s little value in supplying sophisticated equipment if it cannot be maintained locally.”
Angloco said this approach reflected “something positive” about the British approach to international trade.
"At its best, it’s about building trust, doing the right thing for the customer and developing relationships that last, rather than simply maximising the value of the next sale,” the spokesman added.
"We’ve always believed that we can go on a journey with our customers. We don’t expect them to have unlimited budgets or to buy everything at once. We work with them to develop their capabilities over time, adapting what we supply as their circumstances and requirements evolve.”