A RAWDON-based air conditioning business has bucked the trend for 2020 with significant investment and its largest single order ever.

Among its successes last year Airedale International received an order of around £10m. The company, which predicts substantial growth, is investing nearly £1m in new plant equipment to improve efficiency and support increased production. The Rawdon facility, which currently offers 24 hour production during the working week, is expanding its capacity in response to "continued and sustained" demand.

Since the start of the first lockdown, Airedale has recruited the equivalent of 39 full time staff members, along with increasing the number of temporary workers from 6 to 20, and it expects to take on more people over the next 12 months.

The company says its UK manufacturing plant is busier than ever, making high efficiency air conditioning products for industries such as data centres, healthcare, pharmaceutical and other commercial outlets.

Airedale reduced production in spring whilst Covid-safe procedures were implemented and workplace adjustments were made. Changes include the introduction of a three shift work pattern, allowing for fewer people in the building at any one time.

With an investment of nearly £250,000 in IT hardware, more members of the team were able to work remotely. PPE continues to be provided to all team members working both on site and in their UK wide 24/7 service and maintenance team, one way systems are in place and hand sanitising stations introduced.

Managing Director, Tony Cole, said: “We recognise that 2020 has been an extremely tough year and we are sensitive to the fact that many businesses have struggled. We have decided to share news of our continued growth to demonstrate that UK manufacturing is still an exciting and prosperous place to be.

"We have been steadfast in our approach to growth, whilst being flexible in how we implement our strategy, allowing for the uncertainty that 2020 has presented. What is certain is that as we continue to support our UK customers with both new products and aftersales support, demand continues to grow for the Airedale name and the quality and efficiency associated with it.”

He added: "In a year that saw our largest ever single order at circa £10m, we are excited about the future, especially once the hurdles of this virus have been overcome. We continue to fly the British flag in a competitive global air conditioning market, helped by a 24/7 service team and a state-of-the-art software offer. Our knowledge and expertise, as well as being on hand day or night to respond to emergencies and queries, gives our customers the confidence and reassurance they need when making air conditioning investments. And of course, like all good Yorkshire businesses, we are honest, open and trustworthy.”

HR Director Steve Joyce added:“We have worked tirelessly this past year to adapt to the restrictions and challenges presented by Covid-19 and have made significant financial investment into technologies that allow us to continue production whilst reducing the risk of virus transmission. We are so fortunate to have such a loyal, dedicated and flexible staff who have worked with us and adapted to the changes.”