A Keighley firm is growing thanks to a number of major orders - one with a little Xtra help.

O&K Escalators has signed its first contract to supply escalators to the Halifax for a major branch amalgamation project in Canterbury.

The multi-million pound deal will give the bank its first first-floor banking hall which is due to open next February.

Ron Wanless, O&K's sales and technical director, said: "We are proud to be associated for the first time with the Halifax. The tendering process was extremely competitive and it is pleasing that we were able to clinch the pioneering contract with our near neighbour."

The company has performed better since O&K's escalator service and Kone - the service arm - were amalgamated.

The firm's order book is growing thanks to growth in the retail and transport sectors of the market which is helping to keep the Keighley factory busy.

Recent escalator contracts include a number of orders for established customer London Underground including the Jubilee Line extension's Canary Wharf link.

Other work has been carried out for the British Aviation Authority at Gatwick Airport, at Leeds-Bradford International Airport and the further expansion of Baku Airport in Azerbaijan and Harare Airport in Zimbabwe.

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