Widnes firm gets space to grow

A HIGH-TECH control panel producer that has relocated to Widnes waterfront says its move to bigger premises will create jobs and boost turnover.

Kaltek Automation has more than doubled the size of its factory floor space following its move to Heron Business Park, and says it is on target to hit £1m turnover in 2010.

Business Link Northwest advised Kaltek on its relocation from its former 135 sq m premises on Pickerings Road, Widnes, to its new 330 sq m site.

The firm, which specialises in the design, manufacture and build of electrical instruments and PLC control panels, employs 12 staff, having already recruited three new employees since the move.

It made the move after securing £40,000 grant funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

George Brady, managing director, said: “Fortunately for us, several of the sectors we supply are weathering the economic storm and are continuing to place orders and as a result we have exceeded all our expectations.

“Demand for our products has been fantastic and we needed much bigger office and manufacturing space to provide a platform for us to increase capacity and productivity, which we hope will also help us reach £1m turnover by next year.”

Kaltek’s clients include BAE Systems, ICI, Kimberley Clarke, Ford, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, United Utilities, PQ Silicas and Invensys Systems.

Accountancy and business Advisory firm Mitchell Charlesworth helped Kaltek with its application to the NWDA to secure the finance.