Overseas growth boost for engineering firm

The Silsden-based firm, which manufactures electro-hydraulic actuators for sectors including oil and gas, power generation and steel production, said it saw turnover rise to £3m in the year to the end of September 2013.

However, turnover for last month alone has already reached £2.36m.

Exports are a major driver of growth, with over 50 per cent of current business secured through export.

The company recently promoted two members of staff, who have over 20 years combined experience with the company, to director level to help sustain further growth.

Lee Ellerton has been promoted to engineering director and Graham Coulton has taken on the role of production director.

Advanced Actuators is targeting the Middle East and Far East for future expansion.

Managing director Chris Woodhead said: “Lee and Graham’s new positions brings an increased responsibility for all contracts from order placement to product dispatch alongside the launch of new product ranges and the development of our onsite facilities.

“Their strategic involvement with the business means I can take on a greater role expanding the Advanced Actuators portfolio in the Middle East and the Far East which is where we anticipate a further 20 per cent growth in 2014.”

He added: “While our 2012-13 financial year was exceptional, we have secured 80 per cent of last year’s turnover just one month into our new financial year.

“This is a significant growth period for Advanced Actuators and we anticipate further job creations at home and overseas, in the coming months.”

The company was founded near the centre of Bradford in late 1999. It moved to its current purpose-built premises five years ago after outgrowing its previous premises.

Customers include BP, Shell, British Nuclear Fuels, EDF Energy, Eon, Tata Steel, Lafarge and Thames Water.