EXPORT growth is set to contribute to a record year for a Bradford-based catering equipment manufacturer.

Victor Manufacturing has achieved a 60 per cent increase in export sales for the financial year to date. The company has expanded its production facilities at its Gibson Street, Laisterdyke, base as demand for its products continues to rise.

Sales of catering equipment into the Middle East are the driving force behind the figures which have shot up from £250,000 to £400,000 in twelve months.

Designing, manufacturing and fitting a range of kitchen equipment that ‘keeps hot food hot and cold food cold’, Victor was named an official supplier to the Sultan of Oman in 2014 and contracted to provide barracks catering equipment to the Sultan’s armed forces.

Following the introduction of new health and nutrition guidelines for schools in Abu Dhabi, the firm will also supply and install modular counters in the emirate. It increased sales of banquet carts and trolleys into hotels in Dubai through a distributor partner. These new business wins coincide with Victor’s strong sales in the domestic market, following introduction of free school meals for infants, and expansion in retail counters.

To meet “unprecedented” demand from overseas and the UK, Victor expanded its manufacturing space by acquiring premises close to its headquarters. The 9,000 sq. ft building provides office and factory space, used for counter assembly. With investment in IT and machinery, the company spent £750,000 and has grown by 12 per cent to 95 staff.

Andrew Gibson, sales director, said: “Victor Manufacturing has been designing and building catering equipment in Britain for over 70 years and we’re proud to be exporting our British-made products around the world. Sales into new territories is an exciting part of our expansion.

These contracts demonstrate our expertise in the public, education and hospitality sectors. Building strong links with customers overseas through our distributor partners and adapting our processes so we can respond quickly to customers’ specific needs are central to our success. By growing facilities, increasing headcount and extending shifts we have been able to meet high demand from customers across the globe.” ictor has earned a reputation for excellent service and consistent product quality and we plan to build on this export success by increasing our market share outside the UK in the year ahead”. Record growth will be announced in its 2014/2015 results.