Sheffield-based Gripple has recruited 15 people after investing £1.5 million in a 7,000ft² riverside expansion of its Sheffield factory (www.gripple.com).

The employee-owned company celebrated the official opening with a barbecue attended by Sheffield’s Master Cutler Richard Edwards (pictured with Gripple founder Hugh Facey).

The firm makes a wire-joining device that is used in fencing and suspension applications. Production has increased by more than 10%, and it has 35 manufacturing cells capable of turning out 55 million Gripple wire fasteners a year.

Gripple still has its head office in the Old West Gun Works on Savile Street East in Sheffield, and one of its sister companies — Loadhog — is nearby, on Hawke Street.

The Master Cutler said: “I have seen Gripple develop over the last 20 years and I am in awe of the team who have grown the company through product development and innovation. The new building is wonderful, unique and I am sure a great place to work.”