Essex-based Blackman & White, a leading manufacturer of specialist cutting machines, is looking to build on a strong year of sales, as it reaches its 55th anniversary.

The company, which employs 28 people at its ‘state of the art’ factory in Maldon, saw sales grow by 10% in 2018 after a surge of orders from UK and overseas customers involved in the aerospace, automotive, graphics, marine and print sectors.

Its Orion entry-level CNC flat-bed cutting machine (with a quick and accurate low ply cutting/plotting system) was the star performer.

The company is now targeting greater production control and operational efficiencies, plus the opportunity to scale up with the support of the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP).

Eiko White, finance and operations director (www.blackmanandwhite.com) , said: “Our cutting machines are easily identifiable for their robust and reliable build quality, which helps our clients quickly deliver a return on investment.

"Innovation is another core theme for the company, and this has helped us introduce the automated Genesis-V multi-tool router, laser and knife range, which has given us a real boost in sales.

"Interest has come from large-throughput signage makers and composite manufacturers, who benefit from the range’s high-percentage material efficiency, as well as its high accuracy and speed.

“There’s lots of opportunities for us to grow the business, both at home and abroad.

“However, to do this we needed to better understand our manufacturing operations and how we could put in place improved platforms and systems that would allow us to develop new products and scale-up quickly.

"This is when we turned to the MGP to provide a strategic review of our company and then external assistance to target key areas of improvement that will deliver a host of tangible benefits.”