Metals processor boosts production with £500,00 investment

A Leeds-based metals processor has invested more than £500,000 in new machinery to boost production of sustainable products, with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Leeds Galvanising and Powder Coating has invested £300,000 in new semi-automated machinery that will help minimise raw material usage and create less waste, with the addition of a £110,000 asset finance line and £60,000 term loan.

The business, which processes metals for uses ranging from balcony railings to bridge sections, will use the machinery to handle an additional 3,000 tonnes of steel on site per year.

Leeds Galvanising and Powder Coating will now be able to process large expanses of metalwork of up to four tonnes in weight too, which will allow it to open up to new market opportunities.

This is the firm’s second tranche of investment in the space of a year. In 2018, it spent £220,000 on machinery that helped the company to cut its raw material use by a third. This assisted the business in securing ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental management.

Since securing the ISO, the business has grown revenues by 10% to £7.5m and hired six new members of staff. A further five roles are being created to further grow its processing capacity.

Simon Kelly, managing director at Leeds Galvanising and Powder Coating, said: “Firms in the building products supply chain are striving to be more sustainable, and we’re seeing a high demand for end-products with a smaller carbon footprint.

“With Lloyds Bank’s help, we’ve made significant investments in our facility to improve our efficiency and to cut waste. Now that we’ve secured ISO accreditation, many more customers are choosing our services, helping us to grow our market share and to create new jobs.”

Natalie Hancock, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, added: “Leeds Galvanising has grown to become the most successful business of its kind in the North of England.

“This is thanks to its commitment to issues such as environmental management, quality control, and health and safety – each of which ultimately help it to deliver an excellent service for customers.

“We’ve been by the side of Leeds Galvanising throughout its capex programme, and we’re proud to be supporting the firm again with its latest investment. Supporting businesses to drive sustainability in their respective sectors is key to our plan of helping Britain prosper.”