A North-east manufacturing company has recently completed an extremely successful first full year in operation.

LFH Engineering, which is based in Ellon and was established in April last year, has experienced a very promising opening twelve months in business, with expansion beyond initial projections –including sales of over £2.5million exceeding initial forecasts and increasing its workforce from 25 to 32 employees.

During the year, the company – which specialises in the manufacture of marine diesel engine coolant pumps – has invested almost £500,000 in specialist machinery, IT upgrades and its design engineering capabilities increasing the firm’s capacity and efficiency. The company is also in the initial stages of planning an extension to its premises to assist with customer demands for its products and services.

In the past twelve months the company has also been accredited as an approved member of the British Pump Manufacturing Association (BPMA) and has put in place a demanding year two customer and marketing travel plan, which will also see LFH talk to a number of potential international agents, specifically focussing on the Far East Asian market.


Managing Director Les Hill believes that during its first year in business the company has created a firm base for future growth and success.

He said: “Our first year has far exceeded our expectations and I believe that is down in no small part to the support and dedication every member of the team has shown. I am extremely proud of the business we have built and I look forward to an exciting future during which we will seek to expand our product base, make significant further planned investment in our facility and target new international markets including the mining and oil and gas industry.

“I am particularly pleased that we have achieved BPMA membership within our first year as it positions us as one of the leading companies in the field of pumping technology in the UK and recognises our commitment to product quality and development, and providing value for money, safety and after sales service.”

As a direct result of the growth experienced over the past twelve months, LFH has made two key internal promotions.

Scott Pilkington, 42, who has worked within the pump manufacturing industry for more than 20 years and has been instrumental in the growth and diversification of LFH’s production team since the company’s creation, has been promoted from Production Manager to Production Director.

Meanwhile, Kathleen Singleton, 52, has been promoted to the position of Customer Relations Director. In her new role, Kathleen, who was previously Sales and Marketing Manager will ensure customers continue to receive the high level of support, performance and communication LFH Engineering prides itself on.

Mr Hill added: “Due to the growth of the business over the past year we felt it was time to strengthen the board of directors to allow us to best meet the demands of our clients going forward. Both Scott and Kathleen have excelled in their current roles and shown their commitment to the continued success of LFH so their promotions are well-deserved.”

LFH Engineering is based at Castlepark Industrial Estate, Ellon, and has an impressive client list including Rolls Royce, MAN Diesel and Caterpillar.

(GK/KMcA)