Grant for Innovators Gives Jobs Boost

Award-winning manufacturing company, A-SAFE has secured a ?60,000 grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The grant, which will be invested in plant and machinery at the company’s headquarters near Halifax, West Yorkshire will be used to significantly increase capacity and product range, safeguard existing jobs and create a number of new roles.

A-SAFE, which invents and manufactures a world-leading range of protective barriers for industrial workplaces, has expanded rapidly in the last three years, growing between 40-70% annually. The company now has offices in seven countries and a worldwide workforce of over 150. A-SAFE won the Queens Award for International Trade in 2014.

Since moving to new premises in 2012, output at the facility has doubled, but global demand for their world-leading and cost saving barrier range means capacity will need to double again over the next two years to meet requirements.

A-SAFE Director, James Smith said: “With this grant we are pleased to be able to further invest in the future of A-SAFE and secure and create jobs in the process. At

A-SAFE we pride ourselves on being an innovative company, with manufacturing at our heart, so along with the additions to our workforce, we are excited by the improvements in production and capacity that the new machinery will bring – especially in helping launch our new iFlex barrier range.”

The LEP helps business and enterprise to thrive, with the overall aim of growing the Leeds City Region economy. Businesses in the region, or those looking to locate there, can apply for LEP funding for projects that will create jobs and contribute to growth. The LEP’s grant funding programme is funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. A-SAFE had previously been awarded ?40,000 through the scheme.

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership said: “I am particularly pleased that the LEP has supported this innovative manufacturing business, to safeguard and create a number of jobs, helping us retain and attract talent to the region.

“Having been awarded the Queens Award for International Trade in 2014, I look forward to following A- SAFE as it continues its positive growth in the UK and overseas.”

“Following the recent government announcement, further funding is available for businesses from across the Leeds City Region looking to invest and develop their business. I encourage more businesses to contact the LEP to see how we can support and enable business growth.”

Following the grant, A-SAFE will be hiring new personnel in various departments, including Research & Development, Logistics, IT Support and Operations.