Taking a punt on exhibiting in the United States is paying off for a West Yorkshire foundry equipment manufacturer which has landed significant orders for its specialist products.

Acetarc Engineering, a Keighley-based family-run business which exports around 70 per cent of its output, clinched orders for 14 small and medium foundry ladles after taking part in the Castexpo exhibition in St Louis where its stand featured a working ladle and other full size foundry products.

The company worked in partnership with its US agent to promote its molten metal pouring equipment to the North American foundry market.

Steven Harker, technical director, said winning the £140,000 order had justified the gamble taken by the Dalton Lane business, which has operated since the mid-1960s.

He said: “We funded our participation in the exhibition ourselves which was an expensive business but we felt it was a worthwhile gamble to try and win more customers in the US.

“Fortunately, it was money well spent as we were contacted by an agent from the Pentair Group in Ohio who had visited Castexpo and seen our products. We’re also hoping for an order for two larger ladles and hope that contacts made at the exhibition will generate more US orders in future and we’re following up all the leads.”

Acetarc – whose name derives from oxy-acetylene and arc welding – has supplied foundry ladles and associated pouring equipment to North America since 1998, including to foundries such as Caterpillar–Mexico and Rolls Royce Naval Marine. Mr Harker said the success of Castexpo marked a significant step in its plans to boost trade with the US foundry Industry.

Acetarc recently invested £25,000 in new IT to boost efficiency and produce clearer project timings and costings. As a result, it has expanded the production department and added four more workers to its 22-strong workforce.

The company, which in recent years has relocated to bigger premises and seen its turnover double to around £1.5 million, used the Rising Stars scheme, part of Bradford Council’s enterprise programme, receiving a £4,000 grant towards to cost of the new computer system and free business advice.

Acetarc director Peter Burrell said: “Our Rising Stars advisor helped us focus on the investment needed and along with support from the council, spurred us on to improve our production management systems.

“We are now able to deliver the highest-quality engineered products and have the confidence to explore new markets and identify opportunities for all our clients’ needs.”

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council executive member for employment and skills, urged other businesses to use Rising Stars’ services.

She said: “People usually think business support is all about start-ups but often many of the larger, well-established companies also need guidance to aid business growth.

“It’s reassuring to see companies that have been around for many years, such as Acetarc Engineering, are benefiting from the programme as well.”