Pictured: Managing director Richard Hilton

A Midlands manufacturer is bucking the sector slow-down trend, investing more than £100,000 in new offices to be completed early in 2012.

The investment is the latest move in strategic plan to grow Telford-based Fabweld Steel Products by 35 per cent over the next five years as demand for its innovative manhole covers increases.

The company, which specialises in designing and developing access covers and drainage equipment, has also pumped more than £300,000 in capital equipment in the last 12 months, improving production times and capability.

The new purpose-built offices, designed with environmental concerns in mind, will provide accommodation for 20 office staff, currently working on three different sites at FSP's Madeley headquarters.

Managing director Richard Hilton said: "We know that the last 12 months has been difficult for many in the manufacturing sector, especially those with a reliance on European exports. Of course, we are not immune to the Eurozone crisis, the volatility of the financial markets or the cutback in public sector spending.

"However, by focusing our development on innovative products and targeting new markets overseas in growing economies, we are able to invest in the future of both the company, our product range and our staff."

The new offices have been designed with input from low carbon solution specialists Pro Enviro, of Rugby, to ensure that the offices are energy efficient.

"This development will also make FSP a more efficient company, bringing all administrative staff under one roof," added Mr Hilton.

The company is growing thanks to interest in its unique Solo Slide manhole cover, the latest addition to FSP's FAB Pave and FAB Tray range. Unlike traditional round, flat metal covers, the FAB Pave range are recessed covers which are made from mild steel and can blend in with the surrounding area. The Solo Slide has proved a winner for the company because it can be operated by just one person using a unique key, eliminating health and safety lifting concerns.

Mr Hilton said: "The Solo Slide has been installed in city centre locations across the country including in Trafalgar Square and outside the London Eye. And with the investment of £250,000 in 2011 in a new laser cutting machine reducing production times, we are becoming the first choice for customers who need our products quickly."

FSP attributes its success in hard times to its core commitment of fast turnaround times and staff dedication and commitment to ongoing training.

"We are always developing our staff, we run numeracy and literacy programmes and have completed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with the University of Wolverhampton, which gives us top-class in-house design expertise.

"When you combine that with investment in capital equipment, including a £50,000 press brake to keep up with the laser, we're already ahead of the curve for when the economy gets back on its feet.

"We've taken on two new apprentices and will hopefully take on more throughout 2012, as we look to boost not only our workforce but also our order book."

The company is also helping to boost the manufacturing sector in the region, offering spare capacity on the new £250,00 Trumpf laser machine to firms without the hi-tech capability.

"We're are working with a number of companies from across Shropshire, the Midlands and further afield. This was a decision taken not just to ensure the most efficient use of expensive equipment but also to help other small manufacturers. Some of them want to create high quality parts but can't justify the expense of their own machine, and others simply need occasional or smaller projects completed on an ad hoc basis. All of this helps to contribute to the growth of the manufacturing sector in the area.

"It is companies who innovate, design, develop and ultimately make products which will help improve the current economic situation. Britain needs a strong manufacturing base if it is to compete on a global scale," added Mr Hilton.

Fabweld Steel Products began as a two man steel fabricator in 1988 and now employs a 36-strong workforce. It has experienced remarkable growth over the last two decades and is now a European market leader in the manufacture and supply of specialist access covers and drainage equipment.