Astonish moves to clean up in new markets

A YORKSHIRE cleaning product company is moving to a new £4.5m combined manufacture and distribution unit in Bradford after securing funding support from HSBC.

Astonish, which has seen sales increase five-fold since the launch of its national television advert in January, trades in 50 countries and has set its sights on expanding into South Korea and Israel.

The family-owned company has a workforce of more than 50 and was established as London Oil Refining Company in 1970 by chairman Alan Moss.

Initially, company representatives toured the UK to demonstrate its cleaning formulas at street markets and fairs.

In 1984 the Astonish brand was created and products from the range are now sold across the world with 65% of sales in the UK in stores such as Wilkinsons, Savers, 99p Stores and Home Bargains.

The remaining 35% of sales are made across the globe.

Astonish’s new premises will provide 65,000 sq ft of manufacturing space. The site will be fitted out with new equipment to allow the company to meet demand and continue sales increases.

Howard Moss, managing director of the Pudsey-based company, said: “We are delighted that, thanks to the help of HSBC, we will move to new premises that will give us the space and facilities we need to continue to grow the business.

“We will be looking to expand our presence in markets we already trade with and will also consider venturing into new regions where there is demand. In addition, the UK remains a key market for us – after all, we are a local company and are very proud to manufacture all our products right here in Yorkshire.”  

Mark Vines, HSBC regional commercial director in Yorkshire, said: “HSBC is committed to helping businesses in all sectors to grow and strengthen their businesses.

“As an international bank we are especially interested in helping them to trade internationally, whether it be trading internationally for the first time or expanding into new markets across the globe.

“Astonish is a fantastic example of a business that is thriving and growing in difficult economic conditions and we are delighted to be able to support its move to new premises that will enable the company to further satisfy demand for its products across the globe.”

The company manufactures products including germ killer, liquid handwash, multi-surface cleaner and carpet shampoo.

It is on target to turnover around £14m this year thanks to benefiting from the recession which has seen demand for its value products increase.