He maintains it has been the investment led policy that has opened the doors to new customers in the specialist automotive, autosport and marine related sectors and also enabled the business to build its presence in the fluid power and related sectors.

Mr Steatham is not ignoring what he regards as predictions by the ‘doomsters’ to which he replies: “We must be aware.” But having gained so much through careful investment in new technologies such as five of the latest turn-mill centres, programmable component cleaning and measuring equipment as well as factory services, training and environmental issues, his management team is dedicated to continue to invest to improve competitiveness.

He says: “We are now machining more complex work that has margins that enable us to improve our profitability and feed returns back in the business by way of investment in the future. Also with the recent see-sawing of currencies, new technology equipment has put us in a position to support some of our international customers in global markets with cost-effective solutions and a known quality and delivery record.”

He predicted: “Relationships of this type will be the bedrock of growth in the future.”