Langley Alloys returned to record growth in 2018/19, targeting turnover of more than £14 million after a two-year programme of over £2 million invested in equipment, stock and a second site.

Sales rose 30 per cent in each of the previous two years, recovering from a low of around £6 million in 2014/15 when oil prices fell.

Investment and growth

The investment funded new equipment and stock, expanded the sales and operations teams, and opened a second site. The company also introduced two shifts at its main site to increase capacity and capability, and became the UK distribution partner for Alleima.

Business development director Rodney Rice said: "We have invested around £2 million in new equipment and stock and have expanded both our sales and operations teams to meet demand. Our latest sales plan would see us break our previous best year, and we are well-placed to achieve that given the investments in people, equipment and supplier partnerships."

In the short term, the company planned to take on new staff, including warehouse operatives and an apprentice sales assistant, with the longer-term aim of bringing all operations onto one larger site.

Rice, who joined two years earlier from Tata Steel, added: "We are investing because we are getting busier, and I don't see why this momentum won't continue. We want to optimise the space we have at the moment so we can continue to grow, but we will eventually get to the point where we have outgrown both our North Staffordshire sites. We just want to get ahead and make sure we are ready. The market is buoyant and business is going well."

About Langley Alloys

Langley Alloys supplies high-value stainless steels and nickel alloys to companies making products for oil and gas, chemical, food, paper and energy production, as well as marine and naval use. The company employs more than 45 staff across its UK and USA sites and exports worldwide.

Managing director Chris Halliday said: "Our success over the last few years has been down to real investment in quality people. We have put a new management team together, we have invested in new kit, and we have also formed new strategic partnerships, so there are a lot of opportunities for us."

Originally reported in the Stoke Sentinel, 18 September 2018.