Heelman, a specialist CNC machine shop that focuses on small- and medium-batch manufacturing for customers in the automotive, aerospace and pneumatic fittings sectors, has expanded into a fourth unit at Ludlow Business Park with the help of a grant worth just under £10,000 from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (Marches LEP).

A family-owned business (www.heelman.co.uk) founded in 1982, Heelman has taken on the new unit to meet demand, drive operational efficiencies, improve the working environment and create new jobs.

General manager Andy Styles said: “Increasing demand from both existing and new customers meant that we needed to improve how we managed our production so that we could handle this increased workload.

"Taking on the adjoining unit allows us to consolidate all non-production functions into a single space and leave room for additional equipment that will enable us to improve our overall service.”

Heelman’s growth is expected to lead to a potential 10% increase in turnover.

The funding received by the company has also been used to improve access to the new unit and to install a mezzanine floor.

The electrics and lighting have also been upgraded.