Moves to replace old-fashioned concrete and cast-iron manhole covers are benefiting a Skipton producer of lightweight alternatives.

Fibrelite, which also has plants in the US and Malaysia and sells products to more than 80 countries worldwide, has seen rising global demand for its fibreglass reinforced plastic composite access and manhole covers.

Companies are seeking to reduce heavy lifting hazards, which account for more than half of workplace injuries, and replace metal covers which are being stolen.