Manufacturer creates 11 jobs with robotics investment

A MANUFACTURER has received £110,000 funding to increase capacity and create 11 new jobs.

Sheffield-based towbar manufacturer A1 Towing got the funding from UK Steel Enterprise and the Regional Growth Fund.

A1 was established by a team of entrepreneurs on Sheffield’s Parkway Industrial Estate.

The funding has allowed the company to buy and install a robotic welder, and employ several of the planned 11 new employees.

chief executive, Mark Terry, said: “This is fantastic news for the company which has expanded considerably over the last year thanks to a growing reputation for quality, convenience and value.

“The £110,000 investment has allowed us to purchase a vital piece of equipment and the necessary staff that will mean we be more efficient in terms of factory space, allowing for other divisions to expand and also to weld more products faster whilst improving quality – a step forward in further growing our customer base and reaching further afield in the UK.”

Keith Williams, regional manager for UK Steel Enterprise said: “A1 Towing is an impressive, independent business – manufacturing a product locally that is now in demand across the company. We were impressed that they wanted to invest in the latest robotic equipment to improve both quality and productivity.

“We can invest up to £1m into growing companies and are keen to find other companies across South Yorkshire and the Humber that can create jobs but need finance to do so.”

UK Steel Enterprise operates in areas affected by changes in the steel industry and has helped more than 6,600 businesses grow since its inception.