Martek swims for the top with grant

A COMPANY that specialises in hi-tech safety and environmental monitoring systems for the global marine industry is set to double its premises and invest in state-of-the-art business planning software following a five-figure grant.

The funding for Rotherham-based Martek Marine, which claims it has captured 98% of its global market with its self-developed emissions monitoring product MariNOx, has been awarded the money as part of the regional development agency’s Select Finance for Investment (SFI) programme.

Established by three directors in 2000, Martek has grown to employ around 60 staff with turnover set to hit £10m this year.

Martek said the Yorkshire Forward grant would enable the business to expand its manufacturing, shipping and office space to 13,000 sq ft across current and new premises at Adwick Park.  

Martek is also to improve its stock inventory systems thanks to the funding which recognises new investment projects that lead to long-term improvements in productivity, skills and employment.
 
Neil Preston, Martek’s financial director, said: “Yorkshire Forward has recognised the potential for Martek to remain at the forefront of change in the marine industry. It acknowledges that we are a global leader in marine environmental and safety technology.

“The funding reinforces Yorkshire Forward’s support for high-quality manufacturing in the region and the new planning system and the factory expansion will enable us to build for the future as we continue to invest and develop sustainable and cost effective solutions for a growing sector.”

Martek’s MariNOx emissions monitoring system helps to ensure that ships meet increasingly stringent legislation on greenhouse gas emissions by monitoring them in real time and enabling data for an entire fleet to be viewed remotely.

Among the company’s products are gas and water-level detection systems, tank gauging and life saving equipment.