Weighing company counting the pounds

13/03/2012

An industrial weighing scales distributor and maintenance firm, based in Greater Manchester, has recorded its most successful year ever, after receiving financial support from Yorkshire Bank in Bolton.

Abacus Weighing Services posted a 20 per cent growth in its six-figure turnover in the last financial year, after a spike in its scales certification and calibration work.

With the extra financial support, Abacus will be enhancing its product range, purchasing scales from leading weighing machine distributors including Stringer & Co, Marsden and AWM Ltd.

The firm sells and hires a wide range of weighing machines, including platform and bench scales and parts counting scales for stocktaking to over 250 firms throughout the North West.

Customers come from a variety of industries, including food, chemical, engineering and pharmaceuticals.

In addition to renting out and selling the scales, the team provides a range of repair and maintenance contracts which include calibration and certification to both ISO 9001 and UKAS standards.

Stephen Gibson, one of the partners at Abacus Weighing Services, said: “Even though we are seeing great advances in technology, there is still a place for industrial weighing scales and the traceability that accompanies the manufacturing and supply industries.

“We are working with more people than ever before, particularly in the food industry, where tougher laws have meant that companies need to be 100 per cent accurate in measurements and nutritional information.

“The service from Yorkshire Bank has been great, with centres located conveniently for us and a proactive team that is working hard to support our growth.”

Founded in 1988, Abacus Weighing Services is run by three partners, Mark Cripps, Mel Eadsforth and Stephen Gibson from its 4,400 sq ft plant in Littleborough, just outside Rochdale. The firm is looking to grow further in 2012 and recruit an apprentice.

Paul Williams, business partner at Yorkshire Bank’s Bolton Financial Solutions Centre, which provided the financial support, said: “Abacus operates in quite a niche area, and is utilising its contacts with major scales manufacturers, and its technical expertise to maximise maintenance opportunities to be successful. The company is a welcome addition to the Bank and we look forward to its growing success.”