Francis Kirk Group (FKG) (www.franciskirk.com), a Greater Manchester engineering and fastening manufacturer and supplier, is celebrating the third anniversary of its purchase of the Philidas self-locking nut brand with a growing order book and global opportunities that are helping to boost its turnover.

FKG invested in the Philidas brand and manufacturing operation to maintain full control of a specialist metal-locking nut that is sold into safety-critical areas for a wide range of industrial and domestic applications.

Philidas is expected to deliver a £5 million turnover for the firm this year — an increase on last year’s £3 million figure.

Philidas serves the automotive, rail, aerospace, earth-moving plant, mining, renewable-energy and electrical appliance sectors and has London Underground, Bombardier, JCB, Toyota, Renault and Citroen among its end customers.

New markets have recently opened up in India, Iran, South Korea, Japan and the USA. It is currently looking to conclude trading relationships in Germany, Italy, France, South Africa and Australia.

FKG managing director Thomas Kirk said: “Philidas is a major success story; it spearheads our commitment to providing high-quality fastening solutions for a range of industries.

“Our 36-month investment in manufacturing and improving Philidas has put us in a strong position in many world markets, and we look forward to another good year of growth.”