AN INDUSTRIAL storage firm has looked to the future to boost its productivity with an £87,000 investment in a robot.

Racks Industries, based at the Castlefields Industrial Estate, at Crossflatts, has spent the cash on state-of-the-art robotic welding technology.

This has already boosted business, by automating the production of standard parts, which then frees up the firm’s fabricators to focus on more complex work.

The company, which was set up in 1995, designs, supplies, manufactures and installs industrial storage systems across the UK, Europe and the USA.

The robot, installed last month, was partly funded by £17,000 from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP’S) Business Growth Programme.

Director Chris Wilson said: “The robot will enable Racks Industries to double the amount of exports over the next two years.

“We currently export to northern Europe, Scandinavia and the USA.

“We also had interest in our products from companies in Spain.

“Excitingly, as this investment increases productivity and consistency and minimises manufacturing costs, it allows us to look at new markets and compete with more manufacturers based in continental Europe.

“It is our view that allied with further investment plans, Brexit could offer massive opportunities for Racks Industries.

“Therefore, the investment in our new robot is an important one, as it forms part of our drive to ensure Racks Industries is at the forefront of manufacturing, not only competing in the UK but across the world.”

The family-run firm makes a number of products including cantilever racking, vertical racking, mezzanine floors, pallet gates and steel staircases.

Its premises boast 20,000sqft of manufacturing space.

The LEP’s Business Growth Programme provides grants of between £10,000 and £250,000 to firms based in the Leeds City Region, which includes Keighley, or those planning to invest there.

The funding can contribute towards capital investment in plant, machinery, equipment, and fitting out buildings.

Andrew Wright, chairman of the LEP’s business, innovation and growth panel, said: “By implementing this state-of-the-art robot to boost its manufacturing output and business outcomes, Racks Industries is demonstrating its commitment to pushing the company forward globally.”