Robotics company secures record £25m order book
Robotics specialist Sewtec has secured a record £25m order book, driven by a wider change in the business following a management buyout (MBO) one year ago.
The Dewsbury-based high technology company designs and manufactures factory automation systems for the food, pharmaceutical, personal care and tobacco industries.
Clients include Nestlé, Unilever Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble, with more than 85% of its sales being exports.
The £25m order book is the largest Sewtec has achieved since it was founded in 1982 and includes large automation projects to be delivered within the next one to two years, many of which are repeat business from existing clients.
As a result of this strong performance, the company is on track to achieve its target of doubling turnover to £32m by 2022.
This achievement also coincides with the first anniversary of Sewtec’s MBO, which was backed by Leeds-headquartered private equity firm Endless in August 2017.
The management team of technical director Gary Day, controls director Karl Conqueror and sales director Paul Johnson led the buyout, after which managing director Mark Cook joined the company.
Sewtec has also announced that three recently appointed management team members have been promoted to director. Ian Walch has been appointed as project director, Lizzie Hay becomes finance director and Mark Atkins becomes director of business services.
To support project delivery, the company has significantly increased its headcount by recruiting 20 new employees across engineering, manufacturing and sales roles. This brings its headcount to 80 people, with plans to bring an additional 40 jobs to the region within the next four years.
Mark Cook, Sewtec’s managing director, said: “Our strong order book demonstrates the outstanding reputation that Sewtec has built. There is ongoing demand for the Sewtec brand, services and products, and this has opened up many prospects for us in the sectors and markets we operate in.
“This is also a success for highly skilled British manufacturing. Our excellent export record shows the appeal of our bespoke automation systems on a global stage, driven by an innovative approach and world-class customer experience.
“With a skilled and dedicated team across all areas of the business, we’re in a robust position to continue our growth plan and reach our ambitious goal of becoming a 120-strong £32m turnover business.”
