Firm secures £1.2m contract

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Monday 7th Jun 2004.

A small Bradford company has secured a £1.2 million Ministry of Defence contract after reaping the benefits of a ground-breaking alliance with other manufacturers in the district.

Wyke-based Ropac (Yorkshire) Limited, which makes components for a range of industries and was formerly known as South Bradford Patterns, beat a Chinese rival to scoop the contract, which could lead to the creation of up to 20 new jobs.

And managing director Diane Walton said joining the Airedale and Bradford Manufacturing Alliance had been a big help.

The organisation encourages local manufacturing firms to work together where possible.

And it has proved such a success, it was featured on the popular BBC2 business show Working Lunch.

In the last six months, Ropac has invested more than £300,000 in new software and machinery and the company has also recruited its first disabled worker in line with its bid to become a Disability Awareness Employer.

Mrs Walton said: "One of our main competitive advantages is that there is an excellent supply of local manufacturers, with whom we can share our success."

Through the Alliance, Ropac linked-up with award-winning Shipley glue dot manufacturing firm Fantastak and has invested more than £100,000 in a new vacuum forming machine to suit its requirements.

Fantastak managing director Mark Auty said: "It has worked out really well for both of us and I am always keen to keep business local if I can do so."

Mick Milner, director of Keighley-based Iron Founders Leach and Thompson and the chairman of the Alliance, was complimentary about the success of Ropac.

"It's amazing to see so much on offer from a small, local manufacturer, who in less than four years from being established, is now competing and winning business in global markets," he said.

"Bradford has some of the best manufacturers in the region, and one role of the Alliance is to make sure we are making the most efficient use of local skills and knowledge."

A spokesman for Working Lunch said the producer of the programme was so impressed by the companies, he wanted to come back to Bradford.

"We hear so much doom and gloom, that it is a breath of fresh air to witness first hand so much enthusiasm and commitment to investing in our manufacturing industry," he said.

For more information about the alliance, call (01535) 662931.

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