A specialist ceramics firm is ploughing £500,000 into a new extension and equipment after enjoying a record year.
Mantec Technical Ceramics has purchased an additional spray dryer due to a big increase in demand since the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Stoke-on-Trent company also experienced a jump in turnover.
Customers turned to the manufacturer for products such as its lightweight kiln insulation – popular with brick and block makers because it helps to save energy – when deciding to refurbish their set-ups during Covid downtime.
With many firms cutting their spray drying services, Mantec Technical Ceramics seized the opportunity to promote theirs last year and had a full order book come June.
Staff have been working double shifts to keep up with the demand.
The new equipment will be housed in an extension to the current spray dryer building, above.
It will be used for a wide range of products in the electric battery market, refractories, the sanitaryware industry and several others.
“Being a portfolio manufacturer for a range of ceramic products got us through two years of Covid,” said Sales Director Mark Berrisford, pictured above.
“Whilst some industries we serve switched off during the pandemic, we were busier in different areas to a greater extent than before and turnover in those areas doubled.
“Last year was a record year for us and we are expecting greater growth this year.”
He added: “We have taken the opportunity to purchase a reclaimed spray drier, which will double the capacity we have to offer that service to customers and use on some of our products as well.”
Mantec Technical Ceramics employs around 40 people on Normacot Road. The variety of sectors it serves stretches to pharmaceutical, aerospace and defence and water treatment.
Around 75 per cent of what the company produces goes overseas – reaching 28 countries.
