A flourishing precision engineering firm has invested heavily in new equipment and launched a recruitment drive after an encouraging start to 2011.

Black Country-based Midland Tool and Design has purchased Bruderer presses, cylindrical grinders, and heat-treatment facilities, after winning contracts in the aerospace, medical and analytical industries.

And the success of their Modulam prototyping tool, which has brought in an additional four projects in the 12 months since launch, is now encouraging them to diversify into the bonding, riveting and laser-welding of lamination packs and offering a complete motor stator service.

To prepare for the anticipated increase in work, and cater for existing projects, they have created 10 new posts, adding to the seven new staff recruited last year. This will increase the workforce to 45.

Managing Director Darren Booton said: "We've had a very busy year so far and have a number of projects coming up, so we've invested in our machinery and workforce.

"We will be developing our partnership with Dudley College later in the year, to bring in more apprentices."

Midland Tool and Design was established in 1969 and specialises in supplying precision components to a wide range of companies in aerospace, medical and automotive engineering. They currently employ 35 people at their headquarters in Tipton, West Midlands.