A RICHMOND welding machine manufacturer is looking to increase sales after acquiring an engineering company in West Yorkshire.

Lamba Welding Systems, based on Gallowfields Trading Estate, has bought Microwelder from Rymer Engineering in Keighley.

Lamba was founded in 1988 and has clients all over the world. It is a market leader in the manufacture, supply and repair of resistance welding machinery, and has developed a full range of temporary fence welding machines.

They are used to manufacture products such as pedestrian barriers and crowd control systems which can be seen around building sites and large scale public events including The London 2012 Olympics. In the past five years turnover has increased substantially.

The new development is a significant move forward for the family-run business and sales of the new products have already exceeded expectations.

A Microwelder is a much smaller machine than Lamba has previously produced and is aimed at businesses operating in a smaller product range, such as spring or wire product manufacturers.

The acquisition followed the purchase of M & M Webb Friction Saws, which complements the company’s range of large welding equipment. Two of the machines have been sold to Dubai within the last six months.

Lamba Welding is run by Brian and Julie Bates, together with commercial director, John Horn. They currently employ 14 staff, including three apprentices and hope to employ more staff in the near future.

Mr and Mrs Bates have appointed their daughter, Hannah, to co-ordinate the sales side of the new business. She is currently studying for a business degree.

Mr Bates said: “Our efforts over the past few years are paying dividends, as can be seen with our global customer base and increased staffing levels.

“We feel that the time is right for us to expand and in doing so, hope to increase our customer base throughout the world.

“Over the past 24 years we have worked hard to ensure our machines are made to the highest standard and this has enabled us to be at the top of our game.

“To add the Microwelders to our portfolio is an extremely positive move for us and it gives us the opportunity to reach other manufacturing businesses across the region.”