Manufacturer make largest investment in over a decade

Welded steel mesh manufacturer Siddall and Hilton Products has started 2021 by making its largest investment in 12 years.

The business, which has been trading for 125 years, has bought a £2m specialist welding machine that will increase capacity and efficiency at its Brighouse manufacturing site and head office, as well as creating 12 jobs.

The £18m turnover company dates back to 1895 and is the UK’s largest manufacturer of welded steel mesh for high-security fencing, general fencing and industrial mesh panels, processing over 1,500 tonnes of wire a month.

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Currently employing 51 people, it is seeing sustained growth following an MBO in August 2019.

Under the leadership of chief executive Ian Thurley, the management team has undertaken a programme of operational improvements.

The new machine will play a key part in bringing about further efficiencies and enabling the business to expand production in addition to creating the 12 full-time manufacturing roles.

The investment has been funded by Siddall and Hilton’s primary lenders, ABN Amro.

Thurley said: “We’re proud to be one of the oldest and largest employers in Brighouse and it’s great news for the business that we will be making our largest investment for over 12 years as we celebrate 125 years of trading.

“This exciting new phase in the business’ development also means we will be expanding the team and we are actively recruiting mesh operators as we will need to increase our total headcount by 25%.

“We know our success is dependent on having a committed and engaged workforce and we will be looking for people to train as the next generation of managers and engineers to take the business forward as we continue to expand.”