Nottingham battery provider powers on with eight new jobs
A Nottingham manufacturer, supplier and servicer of fork lift truck batteries has increased its workforce by 28 per cent after increasing production after landing a £390,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Fortis Battery Care launched in 2011. It manufactures forklift batteries and offers maintenance services for clients including Toyota, Aldi and John Lewis.
Lloyds provided a hire purchase facility to buy a pneumatic manipulator. The new machine will help to streamline the manufacturing process by building batteries more quickly and allowing colleagues to handle the battery cells safely.
The increased pace of battery production has created eight new jobs, including roles within the management team, adding to the now 37-strong workforce.
The firm now has the capacity to expand into new markets, including stored energy and renewables, and reach new audiences.
Annual turnover is set to increase by 10 per cent from £2.8m.
Andrew Clarke, director at Fortis Battery Care, said: “Our business has grown significantly since 2011, and it’s great that we’ve now got the scope to invest in our workforce, machinery and reach out to both local and national clients through marketing strategies.
“We wouldn’t have been able to take these steps without the invaluable support of Lloyds Bank, who fully understand and share our ambition and business ethic.”
Tracey Woodhall, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Fortis Battery Care is already successful in forklift battery manufacturing and servicing. Through a tailored funding package, including a hire purchase facility, we have been able to support investment in new machinery and new colleagues, meaning that the success is set to continue.
“We are committed to supporting small to medium-sized manufacturers like Fortis Battery Care, which is why we have provided £1.2bn of new funding to the manufacturing sector to help Britain prosper, exceeding our £1bn pledge for 2016.”
