Dinnington-based Labfacility, a leading manufacturer of temperature sensors, is set to expand its operations in South Yorkshire, as it targets further growth in export markets.

The company (www.labfacility.com) has secured a six-figure lending package from FFE Microfinance.

This has helped it to buy a 10-year lease on 6,000ft² premises adjacent to its existing manufacturing and stores facility and increase the size of its site to 18,000ft².

It is creating new jobs and plans to recruit six apprentices.

Offering a range of more than 5,000 temperature instruments, sensors and couplings, Lab-facility makes more than a million products per year.

These are sold in 120 countries world-wide and are used in the engineering, pharmaceutical, aerospace, oil and gas and food production sectors.

Export orders now account for over 25% of the company’s sales, with regular orders being placed by businesses based in the USA, China and Australia.

Labfacility was launched in 1971 by Norman Riddett and has now grown to employ around 80 people at its sites in Dinnington and West Sussex.

Under the leadership of Norman’s son, Martin, the company began manufacturing temperature sensors in Dinnington in 1991 after acquiring a local competitor.

Since that time, the number of people employed in South Yorkshire has risen from just three to over 40.

Managing director Martin Riddett said: “The growth and success we have achieved in recent years are very much the legacy of our work with Jim Scott, who helped us to understand the possibilities and opportunities available within the export market.

"Sadly, Jim passed away before our latest phase of growth had been fully realised; the success we are achieving today is a testament to his hard work and dedication.”