Advanced Actuators was heralded as an example of the national recovery in manufacturing following a visit by the Chancellor George Osborne this month (February).
Visiting the Yorkshire-based hydraulic actuator engineering firm which designs and manufactures actuators for valve control to the oil, gas and power industries across the globe, the Chancellor was “hugely impressed” with the Silsden-based business and its investment in apprentices and the future generations of engineers.
“What’s great about this company is that it uses other local companies to make parts for things which are exported around the world and it’s impressive the way they bring on the apprentices in their workforce,” said Mr Osborne.
“It’s a real vote of confidence in British manufacturing and the West Yorkshire economy. Orders growing out of Britain through businesses like this demonstrates our country playing its part in the global economy. I find it hugely refreshing to see this happening,” he said.
The Chancellor was also shown the depth of innovation taking place within Advanced from actuators that have an output torque of over 1.2million Newton meters to linear actuators that develop 2500kg of thrust from a total power consumption of 50 watts.
Chris Woodhead, Managing Director of Advanced Actuators, which had a £3million turnover in 2013 and has just won a £300,000 contract in China, said growth is accelerating faster than ever in the company’s 44 year history.
“It’s been fantastic to have Mr Osborne here and show him what we’re doing with youth employment, other local firms and global exports but what is key to us as a business is more resources overseas. Over 50% of our business is through export but we have to support the product with engineers and facilities in the countries we’re working with and it can cost up to £60k per country. That’s where the Government needs to focus its attention.”
