A STOURBRIDGE manufacturing firm is celebrating a record year after smashing the £3.2million barrier in just six years.

From a standing start on the brink of the global recession, Advanced Process Solutions, based in Old Wharf Road, has seen demand for its turnkey liquid handling solutions increase rapidly.

The firm, which employs 32 people between its Titan Works facility and customer sites across the UK, offers a one-stop service for pipework and fabrication, pump valves, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical and process engineering.

Adam Williams, sales director, said: “A lot has certainly happened since we launched the business with just a couple of engineers back in 2008.

“We originally started life providing liquid handling support and repairs. Then this grew to encompass the supply of small systems.

“The closer partnerships we built with customers, and our ability to identify cost and efficiency improvements, quickly saw requests for a more turnkey service.

“We have completed installations for major plant bakeries and independents and believe this is where our core business still remains.

“However, we are also keen to make inroads into new sectors as our experience and services automatically lend themselves to dairies, pharmaceutical firms and breweries. The latter has already seen us complete a project for local company Enville Brewery.”

APS has invested more than £150,000 on equipment at its Stourbridge factory, with new drilling, sawing and polishing machines added.

The firm, which has taken on ten staff over the last twelve months, hopes to add an extra £1m to its turnover next year.

Adam added: “Our new marketing push will hopefully move us towards the £5m annual turnover mark – not bad going for a firm that has only been in business for six years.

“If we do achieve this plan, it will definitely mean new jobs and opportunities to take on and develop young apprentices.”