Shropshire-based Fabweld Steel Products Ltd (FSP), a manufacturer of innovative, bespoke and standard steel access covers and drainage products, with customers in the UK and overseas, has recalled all of its staff from furlough, after securing a record £500,000 of sales in just seven days.

The spike in sales – around 10-times more than what would be expected at this time of year – signals a return of confidence to the market, believes managing director Richard Hilton.

He explained: “Our experience was similar to many other manufacturers when the pandemic first hit. There was an immediate slowdown in sales as customers adjusted to the impact of Covid-19 and the suspension of building and other businesses.

“Since March, we have continued manufacturing to meet demand and furloughed some staff to protect the long-term future of the company. Business was starting to regain some impetus but even we have been surprised by the recent flood of orders.”

FSP supplies a number of sectors including major infrastructure projects as well as providing solutions for commercial and domestic landscaping, the energy sector and water management.

The recent surge in orders has come from a mix of UK and export projects including €275,000 from Germany for the supply of recessed access covers.

Mr Hilton added: “From the outset of the pandemic our priority was always to continue business as normal as far as practicable while safeguarding the welfare of our staff. We have invested a great deal of time and money in new measures to protect employees, so it has been easy for us to respond quickly to the increased order book that we are experiencing.

“I think this is a very positive signal that confidence is beginning to return to industry and construction, and long may it continue.”