This latest investment follows on from KnitMesh Technologies recent purchase of a second large-format metal wire knitting machine for the production of anti-vandal meshes, as well as compression testing and high temperature fatigue-testing equipment for use in the UK.

Comments company general manager, Peter Evans: "As anti-vandal meshes become increasingly popular in the manufacture of public transport seating and truck side curtains, we have seen quite an increase in this side of the business. It, therefore, seemed only fitting that we should increase our capacity to meet this increasing demand."

The new wide-format knitting machine purchased by KnitMesh Technologies is capable of knitting tubes, typically of stainless steel wire, up to 1200mm diameter. These then provide a flat sheet up 2.4 metres wide, ready for further processing into seat linings, vehicle curtains, and countless other applications.

KnitMesh Technologies was formed in 2007 when KnitMesh Ltd restructured its commercial activities to create totally bespoke divisions for its knitted mesh and flame arrestor businesses. It provides knitted mesh products for a wide range of industrial sectors, including general mesh products, vibration control, sound attenuation, sealing for harsh environments, the filtering of liquids and gasses as well as EMI/RFI shielding.