A Leicester-based metalwork manufacturer is targeting further expansion after delivering double-digit increases in both sales and profitability during the first six months of 2026.<\/p>\n
The business recorded a 15% rise in sales for the six months to the end of June compared with the same period last year, while profitability increased by 17%. The performance puts the company on course to outperform its full-year turnover target of \u00a311.6m.<\/p>\n
Management said the results have been supported by investment across the business, stronger operational processes and continued demand from its established customer base, alongside new commercial opportunities.<\/p>\n
Duncan Keates, joint managing director of ADS Laser Cutting said: \u201cDespite continued economic volatility and uncertainty, we\u2019ve delivered a very positive first half of the year. Several factors have combined to place us in this position of strength, from strategic material purchasing and accurate, competitive estimating through to proactive sales activity and the skills and commitment of our shop floor team.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost importantly, we\u2019ve continued to focus on the strong, long-term customer relationships that have always been fundamental to ADS. We continue to enjoy a strong flow of work from existing customers, while also securing new opportunities that enable us to expand our capabilities and enter new markets.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company has also expanded the sectors and projects it can target after securing BS EN 1090 Execution Class 3, or EXC3, certification.<\/p>\n
The accreditation allows the manufacturer to tender for larger and more complex structural steel contracts, particularly where stringent safety and performance requirements apply.<\/p>\n
Potential markets include commercial construction, infrastructure, transport, energy, heavy engineering and public sector projects.<\/p>\n
Alongside its technical capabilities, the business has been expanding its management and operational infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Steve Tyler has joined as operations director in a newly created position, taking responsibility for safety, quality, cost, delivery and operational staff.<\/p>\n
His remit includes improving operational performance and developing the workforce while ensuring the company has the capacity and systems required to support further growth.<\/p>\n
Further appointments have included a pre-production manager and a newly established material and stores manager role, aimed at improving stock management and product availability. The business has also added an internal sales position to strengthen account management and customer communication.<\/p>\n
Keates said: \u201cOur growth plans require us to continue investing not only in technology and equipment, but also in the people and leadership structure needed to take the business forward. Steve\u2019s appointment represents a significant step for ADS as we enter our next phase of development. His experience and leadership will help us build on our recent performance while ensuring we continue to make progress across core operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, these new roles bring additional expertise in areas fundamental to both our growth and the customer experience. They will help strengthen our operations and provide the foundations for the next stage of our development.\u201d<\/p>\n
The manufacturer is also preparing to introduce a new ERP system during the second half of 2026. The phased rollout is intended to improve integration between different areas of the business and increase operational efficiency.<\/p>\n
Despite the positive financial performance, the leadership team said it remains focused on managing wider pressures across the manufacturing sector and maintaining service standards for customers.<\/p>\n
Keates added: \u201cOur first-half performance gives us a strong platform on which to build, but we\u2019re certainly not complacent. We know that manufacturing continues to face significant pressures and that customers rightly expect quality, reliability, responsiveness and value.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus for the remainder of 2026 will be on building on the progress we\u2019ve made, embedding our recent investments and continuing to develop the people, processes and capabilities that will support sustainable, long-term growth.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sales and profitability both rose sharply in six months<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266702,"featured_media":2113798,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53262],"coauthors":[127717],"class_list":["post-2113796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","tag-featured-story","tag-leicestershire"],"yoast_head":"\n