C and C Hydraulics

Business Loans Case Study

The Company

C and C Hydraulics was established in 1994 by husband and wife team, Ian and Lorraine Couch, in Keighley, West Yorkshire.

The family-run business, which started life in a bedroom, has grown into a leading supplier of hydraulic cylinders and systems both in the UK and export markets around the world.

The Challenge

Lorraine said: "We set up C and C Hydraulics 19 years ago and dealt with the buying and selling of hydraulic equipment from Europe and distributing it around the UK.

"Six years ago we expanded into manufacturing and we have continued to grow year on year. In 2008 we were producing 200 cylinders per month – but last month we supplied 2,500 which is why we moved into bigger premises in 2012.

"We wanted to buy more equipment that helped us expand our work into new sectors."

The Solution

The business, which is based on Aireside Business Park, approached Finance Yorkshire for assistance in buying new machinery that will help to manufacture health and safety products.

C and C Hydraulics received a £92,000 Business Loan from Finance Yorkshire.

The Investment Rationale

Finance Yorkshire Investment Manager Jonathan Craig said: "C and C Hydraulics is well established and has a strong presence in the agricultural sector. Following the relocation, there was an opportunity to continue its expansion and continue to grow their export market into Australia and the USA. "

"We were pleased to help a home-grown company go into its twentieth year of trading and we are excited to see it grow into new sectors."

Future Expectations

The company can now purchase machinery that allows them to manufacture synchronised telescopic cylinders – which are predominantly used in elevator or lift applications and so can be used to replace the ladder in the workplace. Adding this to their portfolio opens them up to other industries and more customers.

Note: this case study is from Finance Yorkshire’s previous fund. Read more about Finance Yorkshire