Further growth is planned at a Bradford-based detergents and chemicals manufacturer which has doubled in size and moved into new markets through mergers and acquisitions.

Christeyns UK has also committed to keeping its two East Bowling manufacturing sites in Bradford and improving operations as part of growth plans.

Expansion plans for 2014 and beyond follow the Belgian-owned company’s investment in a 50 per cent stake in Warrington food hygiene specialists Klenzan which enabled Christeyns to break further into manufacturing for the food, dairy and brewing sectors.

The £2.1 million acquisition of Alex Reid, a Leicester subsidiary of the Johnson Cleaning group, which supplies chemicals, consumables and machines to the dry cleaning sector. strengthened its position in the textile care sector. Both deals were in 2012.

These businesses have been merged into Christeyns operations, increasing turnover from £22 million to £46 million and doubling the number of employees from 110 to 220.

Christeyns UK managing director Nick Garthwaite said: “We undertook a programme of strategic growth, acquiring shares in two firms that allowed us to expand into new areas and to strengthen our position in key markets. This has been no mean feat, but thanks to the support and advice we received from our accountants Mazars, the acquisition process has run smoothly, enabling us to reap benefits from the merger very quickly. The plan for the next 12 months is to continue to maximise the opportunities the two acquisitions have presented us with, taking advantages of increased purchasing power and improved logistics, as well as lessons of best practice from each acquired business. We also expect to see a significant level of organic growth as a result of new contracts wins.

“We maintain our commitment to keeping our manufacturing sites at Rutland Street and Eastwood Street and in 2014 we are embarking on a programme on improving our manufacturing capabilities to maximise further growth next year and beyond as well as strengthening the region’s manufacturing presence and contribution to the local economy.”

Rob Burton, Mazars’ corporate finance director, said: “Christeyns’ ambitious growth plans coupled with the successful takeovers and mergers of Klenzan and Alex Reid, mean that the company is heading for even greater success over the coming 12 months.

“The foresight and determination of its senior management team has meant that the company is well placed to achieve further growth and market penetration, which is positive not only for the company but for Yorkshire’s manufacturing industry as a whole.”

Christeyns Group started in 1946 and has grown into an international firm with six divisions covering laundry technology, chemicals, institutional, construction chemicals, food hygiene and consumer detergents. Based in Gent, Belgium, the group employs 500 people in 20 countries, including the UK head office in Bradford where it has operated since 1998 after buying the Oils & Soaps business, which originated in 1874.