Wirral manufacturer ANH Refractories Europe is reporting a record increase in turnover from £4m to circa £7m in 2011 driven by strong export sales.
It follows a raft of contract wins in the Middle East bolstered by robust growth in UKand European markets.
The Bromborough based company manufactures materials used in linings for furnaces, kilns, incinerators and reactors operating at high temperatures.
It is part of the ANH Refractories family of companies headquartered in Pittsburgh,USA.
ANH Refractories Europe managing director Peter Rooney said: "The last 12 months have been hugely successful. We are entering the New Year following a sustained period of growth and the forecast for 2012 is extremely positive. We have strong growth in the domestic and European markets which has been backed by major deals with oil and industrial firms inSaudi Arabia. Our core business has been in insulating and dense refractory products, where our tonnage of product distributed to theMiddle Easthas doubled in the last year. The petrochemical sector is proving a major driver of growth for ANH. We are also focusing our attention on the new energy generation and incineration markets, as well as the higher-value copper and aluminium industrial metals market."
The firm has made new appointments in 2011 increasing the staff count by 20pc. Plans for expansion in 2012 could see staff numbers grow by another 15pc early this year. Mr Rooney said ANH Refractories Europe is also aiming to set up a new contractors and installers network across theUK, Europe andMiddle Eastoffering technical training to its members.
He said: "We have vast experience and expertise in refractory solutions. This is backed by one of the biggest portfolios of refractory products in the world. Firms use us for our versatility and reliability and this is demonstrated by our growing number of maintenance contracts. The firm's core aim is to provide refractory solutions which enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing procedures. Our vision is to help businesses increase productivity, performance and profit potential. ANH Refractories Europe continues to go from strength to strength and the rapid growth of 2011 is a sign of our ambition. We have plans for expansion and employment in 2012 and we have a number of exciting deals in the pipeline which should pave the way for further growth."