ENGINEERING company Airedale Springs is set for further growth after investing in new machinery which has cut production times by half.

The family-run firm has also recruited its first apprentices since a blaze destroyed its former Haworth headquarters in 2010, using a grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership.

The £20,000 grant from the LEP’s Business Growth Programme has helped the business to buy state-of-the-art machinery and employ Max Greathead, 17, from Haworth and Alfie Moses,16, from Oakworth. as apprentice setters.

Airedale Springs, which employs 32 people has invested more than £105,000 alongside the grant to expand its product range which is used in all areas of manufacturing and engineering from valves to light fittings in both the UK and overseas.

Since moving into a purpose built factory in May 2012 Airedale Springs has invested £2 million in the latest spring and wire forming machines to enable it to win new contracts.

Tim Parkinson, chairman and the third generation of his family to run the business, said the latest investment would help the company to achieve its growth targets set out in 2012.

He said: “The LEP grant has been vital in allowing Airedale Springs to purchase a large computer controlled spring coiling machine, capable of producing springs with a wire diameter of up to 10mm.

“Previously springs of this size were made by hand. The new machine has reduced overall production times by more than 50 per cent which is making a significant and positive difference to our business.

“As we celebrate our 70th year in 2015, the addition of our new apprentices has helped bolster our highly skilled staff and is a further commitment to the future of the business.”

Roger Marsh, Leeds City Region LEP chairman, said: “Airedale Springs has used the positives of a potential disaster as an opportunity to refocus and grow the business. It is particularly pleasing that Airedale Springs is investing in apprenticeships.”

Bradford Council leader David Green, said: “One of Bradford Council’s major priorities is boosting the skills of the local workforce so it is good to see this Haworth firm benefit.”