As part of a programme of improvements at its Brighouse site, welded steel mesh manufacturer Siddall and Hilton Products has pumped £350,000 into upgrading its base and refurbishing its largest welding machine.

Over Christmas, the company undertook a three-week project to completely replace the roof of one of its factories on Foundry Street, improving its thermal efficiency and ensuring it is watertight.

At the same time, a new heating system was installed in both factory units, replacing old and inefficient gas heaters.

In addition, the 17-year old GRS144, one of Siddall and Hilton Products’ five welding machines and the largest welding machine in the world when it was built, has been fully reconditioned and refurbished during a two-month programme by an in-house team.

Ian Thurley, chief executive, said: “It’s great to see our world-class vision starting to take shape. As a business with a 127-year heritage, there are parts of the site, both buildings and machinery, which need to be upgraded and, following the MBO in 2019, this forms a key part of our strategic plan.

“We’re really pleased to have our largest welding machine back in production and looking as good as new, proudly standing alongside our latest £2m welding machine which we added last year.

“Our ongoing investment into the redevelopment of the site and machinery forms part of our commitment to maintaining our position as the UK’s largest manufacturer of welded steel mesh for high-security fencing, general fencing and industrial mesh panels.”

During 2021, the business achieved turnover of £17.3m, despite Covid disruption and lockdown. Its 60-strong team processed over 1,500 tonnes of wire a month.