Fume extractor manufacturer grows international sales

A South Yorkshire manufacturer that exports industrial fume extraction equipment has seen significant growth in overseas sales following a management buyout and investment from Finance Yorkshire.

Purex International makes a range of appliances that remove harmful fumes by purifying and recirculating air back into a factory. Users include companies in the electronics and laser and printing industries.

The business moved to new premises in Thorne, near Doncaster, in 2016 after receiving a Business Loan investment from Finance Yorkshire.

Global turnover grew to more than £9m in the year ending October 2017, up from £7.5m the previous year.

A US subsidiary was launched in Autumn 2015.

Trefor Jones, who acquired the business alongside Andy Easey in a 2015 management buyout, said: “We always had a good reputation in the market place and we have been able to build on this by identifying and taking advantage of opportunities both at home and overseas.

“One such example is the opening of our US subsidiary. Now we have a physical presence in the country we have seen the business grow year on year and we believe there is potential for further growth.

“We are continuing to invest in people along with research and development to facilitate our business growth into the future.”

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire said: “Our investment in Purex International came at a time when the business was showing strong potential for growth and job creation under a new team of experienced and committed owners.

“I’m delighted to see that the business is delivering on that potential by developing its international presence, building sales in the US and flying the flag for Yorkshire manufacturing.”

Since its inception in 2010, Finance Yorkshire has invested in more than 500 companies, enabling those businesses to increase their turnover by a total of £474 million and attract a further £362 million from private sector sources.

Finance Yorkshire investment has helped those SMEs to create and safeguard more than 16,000 jobs in the region.