Robotics specialist reveals plan to double turnover and boost workforce after private equity backed MBO

Robotics specialist Sewtec is aiming to double turnover to £32m in five years as the company pushes ahead with a growth plan following a management buyout last year backed by private equity firm Endless.

The Dewsbury-based high technology company designs and manufactures factory automation systems for global blue-chip clients in the food, pharmaceutical, personal care and tobacco industries. More than 85% of its sales are to export markets.

In the first three months of 2018, Sewtec secured £10m of orders from customers based in the UK, Ireland and USA while creating eight new engineering, manufacturing and sales roles in the process.

The company anticipates doubling the number of skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs over the next five years, which would see Sewtec’s workforce growing to more than 120 people.

To underpin its growth strategy, Sewtec has also rebranded and launched a new company website, both of which were designed and developed by Leeds-based brand design agency BML Creative.
Sewtec managing director, Mark Cook, said: “We have had an excellent start to the year and intend to maintain our momentum.

“Actively implementing the first phase of our sustainable growth strategy through our rebrand and new website, along with the robust performance sales performance so far this year, shows the enormous potential that Sewtec has to expand its reach and range of applications throughout the world.

“This is given further impetus by the increasing requirement globally for automation across all manufacturing and production processes.

“Our plan to double our turnover to £32m is ambitious. However, it is achievable, particularly when you consider the extraordinary skill and dedication of our people across all aspects of the business.

“We have a global reputation for solving highly complex problems, being natural innovators and providing an excellent customer experience. All this combined creates distinct competitive advantages for our customers.

“These are the strongest foundations upon which to build Sewtec and we look forward to working together to further enhance the company’s excellent reputation as we grow the business both in the UK and internationally.”

Sewtec’s MBO was backed by Leeds headquartered private equity firm Endless. The company’s management team of technical director Gary Day, controls director Karl Conqueror and sales director Paul Johnson led the buyout.