Aberdeenshire firm LFH Engineering is setting its sights on the Far East in its quest for new business.
The designer and manufacturer of engine pumps is targeting further growth in the region after officially opening the doors of its new facility in China.
It has established a base in Nanjing, operating under the name Nanjing LFH Engineering Company, as it looks to maximise opportunities for work in Asian shipbuilding markets.
The 17,200sq ft Chinese site represents an investment of more than £500,000 by the company and is already staffed by seven full-time workers. The team is expected to grow to 12 by the end of this year.
A recent order from long-standing customer Caterpillar was LFH’s first to be fully completed overseas, with the parts sourced, manufactured, supplied and tested directly from its Nanjing facility.
LFH has also appointed a Chinese agent, Shanghai D&H Company, which specialises in the procurement of motors, pumps, valves and parts to a range of industries throughout the country.
It is hoped the agreement will help establish LFH within China, increasing its links with many of the country’s major engine manufacturers.
Ellon-based LFH was established by local businessman Les Hill in 2010, following his purchase of the pump manufacturing division of Peterhead-based Terex Powertrain. It currently employs 30 people at its headquarters in Castlepark Industrial Estate.
Mr Hill, chief executive, said: “For the last two years, we’ve actively been pursuing the establishment of a permanent presence in China so to have the first order completed and ready to ship from our new premises is fantastic, especially for a company that was only formed six years ago.
“Since we formed in 2010 we have seen a steady increase in demand from China for our pumps and also requests to develop pumps for new premium engine design projects within the country.
“It’s an exciting new chapter for LFH and one that highlights a substantial investment for the company.”
