Lamba celebrates £1m contract win with move to larger premises
A NORTH Yorkshire-based welding machine manufacturer has seen demand for its products soar across the globe following a £1m contract win and a move into bigger premises.
Family-run Lamba Welding Systems has been based on the Gallowfields Trading Estate in Richmond for 25 years and has become a leader in the supply, repair and service of resistance welding machinery.
The firm supplies its machinery to businesses which produce temporary fencing across the world, which is then used in prestigious global sporting and entertainment events, such as The London Olympics.
Now, after winning a £1m contract with a leading North-East industrial flooring manufacturer, which supplies to the oil, gas and petro-chemical industries, Lamba has moved into new premises to meet growing demand for its products.
The premises are still on the Gallowfields Estate but are more than five times bigger than Lamba’s previous home – increasing from 3,500 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft.
The business is led by husband and wife, Brian and Julie Bates, with the support of commercial director, John Horn.
The trio have worked with accountants and business advisers Clive Owen & Co in Darlington on the company’s growth strategy.
Neville Baldry, a partner with Clive Owen & Co, helped the firm secure a £30,000 grant from the bank NatWest’s Regional Growth Fund programme and submitted a successful claim for research and development tax credits. Mr Owen also prepared detailed forecasts and projections to support the project.
Mr Baldry said: “It’s great news about the new contract win and this just underpins the quality of work they are producing.
“In recent years there have been very few opportunities for businesses in North Yorkshire to access grant funding of this type, so we’re delighted to secure this assistance for Lamba. We wish them well for the future.”
Mr Bates, managing director of Lamba Welding Systems, said: “We’re delighted to be operational in our new building. The move has been a major step for us, but essential for our business development.”
The growth of the business over the last year follows the acquisition of the Microwelder business from Rymer Engineering, in Keighley, West Yorkshire.
