A global move towards low- or zero-emission buses and coaches helped a West Midlands manufacturer add £3 million to its turnover last year, as it looks to the Middle East for new markets.

Grayson Thermal Systems (www.graysonts.com), which employs 270 people across four sites in the West Midlands and a US operation in Indiana, has seen its sales increase to £28 million after winning a number of new orders for its E-drive electric-fan technology and battery thermal-management products.

This will see technology developed in Birmingham used to transport passengers efficiently and in greater comfort across cities that include Barcelona, Hamburg and Hannover.

Managing director Stuart Hateley (pictured) said: “The world is moving to low- or zero-emission vehicles, and the bus and coach sector is no different, with the introduction of even cleaner engines, hydrogen fuel cells and a move to fully electric vehicles.

We are continually working with the manufacturers and operators to ensure we deliver cooling, heating and air-conditioning solutions that are kind to the environment, but also deliver the performance required by our clients.”

“This approach definitely paid off in 2016, with the introduction of a number of new products. The next 12 months look equally exciting, and we expect to grow by 15%, creating jobs across a range of engineering and manufacturing positions in the process.”

The firm said it is planning to invest more than £500,000 in R&D and to bring a number of new products to the market over the course of the year, including a cooling-system controller aimed at reducing the installation time.

Mr Hateley added: “We see growth across all areas of the business and in our core exports markets of Europe and North America. There are also many opportunities opening up in the previously untapped markets of the Middle and Far East.

“If we can make inroads into these territories, then 2017 will definitely be one to remember.”