A Keighley firm is enjoying a period of growing demand.

Keighley Laboratories has expanded one of its furnaces and upgraded an overhead crane to cater for larger items.

The heat treatments company said developments in industries such as renewable energy, mining, quarrying and oil exploration had led to a significant increase in the size of power transmission components.

And the everyday pressures placed on the components means there is renewed emphasis on the heat-treating methods needed to boost their wear resistance and strength.

Now Keighley Labs, based in South Street, has extended the capacity of one of its seven pit furnaces by 30 per cent and increased the lifting capability of its crane to three tonnes.

“This has opened up a new market for us amongst engineering companies and manufacturers looking to heat-treat larger components,” said divisional commercial director, Michael Emmott.

“This involves physical issues regarding accommodating the size of these parts, then lifting them out of the furnace and into a quench tank, as well as demanding special skills for treating very large workpieces without damage or distortion.

“We are continually investing in our own resources to keep abreast of customers’ exacting requirements and offer alternative solutions across the whole spectrum of surface engineering.”

Since the extension, Keighley Labs has received orders to heat-treat gear wheels for an offshore scheme and one-tonne shafts for a renewable energy project.

And the company is already considering upgrading its other pit furnaces, which operate at temperatures of up to 980C.

Earlier this year, Keighley Labs opened a new £1 million heat treatment processes building at its plant.