Defence engineering company WFEL Limited, the leading designer and manufacturer of rapidly-deployable bridging systems, reported sales growth of 10 per cent in 2012 arising from increases in its spares and sustainment activities and new initiatives in several emerging market and export locations.
The company, which employs around 250 people, said it plans to continue to invest in its service offerings in order to prolong the lifecycle of its products in military use. The company said that since its acquisition by KMW, a German land defence system provider in May 2012 it has planned investments of over £1.5m. It currently plans a further expansion of its existing refurbishment facilities at its Stockport site which itself was doubled in 2011.
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of WFEL, said: “In 2012 we witnessed continued demand for our spares and sustainment services and interest from several emerging markets and other export locations”. He added: “With our unrivalled engineering expertise, pedigree, global reach and market leading position in military bridging, we are well placed to continue our growth.”
WFEL, originally founded as the Fairey Aviation Company in 1915, is the world’s leading manufacturer of bridging systems. Its range of lightweight, rapid-deployment bridges are used by 40 armed forces worldwide.