Jobs boost as noise experts relocate

SOUND FUTURE Former managing director Jane Dawson with Lee Nicholson.

Wakefield Acoustics’ new facility in Flush Mills, Westgate, Heckmondwike, will allow the company to cater for more clients and offer a wider product range.

The business, formerly of Cleckheaton, has recently announced a 50 per cent increase in turnover since 2012, and now employs 40 staff members compared to the 25 three years ago.

Five new manufacturing workers have been recruited in recent months as part of the move to the new factory, and the company are still recruiting as part of its plans to grow.

Lee Nicholson, managing director at Wakefield Acoustics, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our new facility, which represents a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and development.

“Our new factory, capacity and resource capabilities will allow us to continue to design and manufacture high quality noise control products and services worldwide.

“We are very pleased that we have been able to expand our business locally and create new local jobs as part of the move.”

Established in 1980, the company designs, manufactures and installs noise control equipment for customers.

Included among these are “blue chip companies” – those with a reputation for their quality supply of goods and services which are well-known on the market.

In December 2014, following continued expansion, the company secured substantial investment from private equity firm Yorkshire Fund Managers (YFM) as part of a £4m management buyout of the business led by Mr Nicholson.

He took over as managing director after 12 years with the company and Chris Brown joined as non-executive chairman.

The business has since invested heavily across all areas, hoping to grow bigger.

Wakefield Acoustics has supplied noise control products for sectors dealing with oil and gas, petro-chemicals, power generation, water and waste, recycling and general industry and infrastructure.

As of December 2014, the UK acoustics market was estimated at £300m and growing by 13 per cent every year, according to Wakefield Acoustics.