A £900,000 funding package has supported the purchase of automated machinery which will help a Sheffield manufacturer remain globally competitive.
Advanced Engineering Techniques (AET) has taken delivery of a laser-cutting system that operates up to three times faster than the firm’s previous laser-cutter and uses 60% less energy, while it can also operate unmanned during the night. It invested in the equipment after obtaining the funding package from Yorkshire’s Bank.
The company, which manufactures parts for the rail, construction, yellow goods and road transport sectors, generated £11.5m in the last financial year and employs 170 staff.
David Birch, managing director of AET, said: “This investment will help us remain competitive against our rivals overseas and retain jobs in Yorkshire. Since 2010, we’ve created an extra 70 jobs and now have 170 staff. Investing in equipment will help us to continue growing.”
Kevin Elliott, head of Yorkshire Bank’s South Yorkshire business and private banking centre, added: “David and his team represent all that is good and entrepreneurial about the Yorkshire economy by continuing to grow the business in a highly competitive marketplace.”
