West Yorkshire-based Epco Ltd, an industrial thermoplastic pipe products supplier, which chalked up record revenues during the last financial year, has now embarked on a strategic growth programme with the support of RG Corporate Finance (RGCF) in Newcastle.

The company, which is a supplier of uPVC and ABS thermoplastic piping solutions to industry sectors including water treatment, fish-farming, and swimming pools and spas, experienced a 13% increase in turnover with revenues of £4.6 million for the financial year ending 31 March.

With additional stringent health and hygiene measures in place, the business was able to continue its growth during the pandemic, maintaining its position as a key member of customer supply chains.

During the last financial year, Epco was involved in a major fish-farm project based in Canada. The project, worth around £650,000 to the business, is the first in a series of fish-farm projects around the world that should deliver significant growth opportunities for Epco.

The company is now aiming to capitalise on strong underlying sector dynamics with scope to grow across the UK and plans to introduce new products. It has retained RGCF to undertake a strategic review of the business to support its ambitions to gain increased market share in the UK and internationally.

From its 45,000ft² facility in Leeds, Epco, which was founded in 1994 people, employs 15 and has become a major independent supplier of quality accredited industrial pipework systems, gaining a particular niche for its range of large diameter plastic pipes.

The company also has an exclusive agreement with Comer as the Italian manufacturer’s sole distributor of its thermoplastic, pressure pipe fittings, valves, and flange products.

Chris Knowles, Epco founder and managing director, said: “We reacted quickly at the start of the pandemic to ensure that we could remain operational and continue to support customers that required a reliable supply of our products.

“Our large facility and our partnership with Comer and other suppliers also ensured that we had suitable stock levels, which has contributed to our success in the past year. We are now focused on looking at opportunities for the business to develop further and welcome the advice and guidance from RGCF to help us meet our ambitions.”

Nick Johnson CF partner at RGCF, said: “Epco has established a strong niche in key markets, and we are looking forward to working closely with the business to advise on opportunities that will maintain its growth trajectory.

“Activity levels are high in a number of industrial sectors, presenting companies like Epco, that provide a reliable supply of high-quality products, with the potential for further expansion.”