Manufacturer's investment pays off with huge order

PMS Diecasting, based in Rotherham, which carries out high-pressure zinc diecasting, is investing in three diecasting machines and two robotic arms.

The investment in the extra diecasting machines, from the US, and the robotics, will enable PMS Diecasting to gain more contracts by becoming more efficient.

Gordon Panter, PMS Diecasting managing director, said: "Acquiring these machines is part of a continuous investment programme which means we are geared up for high-volume work, in this case, a 700,000 order for window hardware, such as locking devices, which used to go to China but has now come back to South Yorkshire at a time when people are worried about economic power going East.

"Our use of robotics makes us extremely efficient and cost- effective. This, coupled with the weaker pound and increased freight charges, means this customer gets better value from the work being done in South Yorkshire.

"It is also attractive to them because it reduces lead times in an uncertain economic climate and avoids stock being held up on the water."

The customer's name cannot be revealed for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

The company made its investment in the diecasting machines and robotic arms after gaining asset finance from Yorkshire Bank's South Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre in Sheffield.

PMS Diecasting was founded in 1978 as part of a business owned by Mr Panter's father, Neil.

Mr Panter and a colleague acquired the company in 2000 and decided to focus on specialist diecasting work.

The business, which has 30 staff, supplies customers including Yale Locks, Chubb Union and Britax.

It also manufactures joiners for Sheffield-based Gripple for wire which is used to support vines in vineyards around the world. Turnover is expected to rise by 500,000 to 3.5m this year.

Chris Blanksby. Yorkshire Bank South Yorkshire FSC business partner, said: "PMS Diecasting is an example of a forward-thinking British manufacturer doing well globally in the current tough market."