Rotherham-based Architectural Fabrications Ltd (AFL), a metalwork manufacturer that supplies the construction industry, has moved to new premises in order to meet demand and accommodate its expanding workforce.

The company designs and manufactures architectural metalwork, secondary steelwork and large-scale balcony packages that are used throughout the UK.

Founder and managing director Chris Hadfield (www.aflimited.co.uk) said that the move to the new 40,000ft² site is designed to future-proof the business, which now employs 75 people, including a number of apprentices.

The company has almost doubled its head-count and sales over the past three years, after receiving a £400,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).

That enabled it to take on new customers and larger contracts, and to create more job opportunities.

Further growth is anticipated over the coming months, following the appointment of new sales director Ryan Johnson.

Mr Hadfield said: “The investment from UKSE in 2016 was vital in allowing us to make a strong move forward — ensuring that we were more competitive, that we were in a position to recruit, and that we could ultimately scale up the contracts that we went after.

"Furthermore, the new premises mean we are in a position to expand in order to meet a continued growth in demand from our customers, who are based in the UK and Europe.

"We are on track to add another nine members to the team over the coming months, and we have recently invested in new ‘state of the art’ equipment.”