GROWING demand has led a thriving chemical manufacturer to complete a £3 million site expansion which has boosted space by 50 per cent and seen 45 new jobs created.

The development by Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical, which began the project nearly a year ago, marks a strategic stage in its five-year business plan.

It has included improving storage capacity and expanding its distribution fleet to enable business growth and better cater for the varying requirements of its expanding customer base.

Established in 1973, Airedale Chemical specialises in manufacturing and distributing industrial chemicals, surfactants, phosphates, phosphonates and dye stuff to a range of market sectors across the UK and Europe.

The site expansion is a key element in the Skipton Road company’s development plan.

Craig Thomson, finance director, said: “Our growth has led to us investing £1.85 million in property purchasing and the redevelopment of existing warehouse space.

"A further £500,000 has been spent on additional vehicles enhancing our fleet and £20,000 on new testing laboratories.

"This means we are able to support strategic product growth areas such as peracetic acid which has increased in sales by 30 per cent so far this year.

"Our site now has capacity to hold our increased fleet of vehicles together with temperature-controlled warehousing for our products. We’ve also expanded our staff facilities with an improved canteen and larger sales office to serve our 110-strong workforce.”

The expansion in facilities and staffing has enabled the firm to step up its round-the-clock operations across Europe and provide next and same day orders along with developing its product range for industries including food and drink manufacturing, brewing, agriculture, dairy, water treatment, textiles, cleaning and engineering.

Its ISO9001 and ISO14001 accredited manufacturing plant includes operations such as mixing, blending, chemical reaction and chemical product development.

Airedale will find out today (June 18) whether it has won a national award from the Chemical Industries Association.

It has been shortlisted in the reputation category of the awards. The award recognises an organisation which has demonstrated excellence and innovation in building and enhancing its own reputation and that of the wider chemical industry.

Daniel Marr, group marketing manager, said: “We know that valuing communities is just as important as profit margins, so we worked hard to put something back, and to have it recognised by a major organisation is truly rewarding.”