AN engineering and manufacturing company has increased its productivity and boosted its workforce – with support from Keighley Towns Fund.

Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd – which operates from two sites in Keighley, at Dalton Works and Acre Park – has invested in a new state-of-the-art lathe.

The equipment was part-financed with a £53,200 grant from the Towns Fund's Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme.

As a result of the new technology, the 27-employee firm has taken on two more recruits.

Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd, established in 2001, is a leading UK CNC machining company which specialises in the supply and manufacture of turned parts for a wide range of industries.

The new lathe enables three operations to be performed simultaneously, upping production and efficiency levels.

Company director Sam Laybourne welcomes the backing received from the Government-financed Towns Fund, and from Bradford Council.

He says: "We've had brilliant support from the council’s business team, which advised on the recruitment of new staff as well as our grant application.

"We were previously awarded £34,990, and that really helped us with our vision for the future to invest in the latest technology. This second sum has been crucial in enabling us to work more efficiently while maintaining the exacting high standards we're known for. Investment of this sort is an investment in long-term opportunities for Keighley and the surrounding area, and we have exciting plans for ongoing growth."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw – Bradford Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport – says: "I’m delighted to see another fantastic business growing thanks to the work of Keighley Towns Fund and our business support team. Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within, or looking to move to, the Keighley Towns Fund area."

Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, says: "The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. Keighley has such a strong manufacturing and engineering heritage, and it is fantastic to see this success continuing. We are delighted to have been able to support this incredible business in Keighley and we wish it all the best for the future."

For more about the Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme funding, including eligibility criteria, visit investinbradford.com/business-support/keighley-and-shipley-towns-fund or email info@investinbradford.com