Huddersfield Industrial Cleaning Firm Expands with £250k Investment
A Huddersfield-based provider of industrial cleaning services has secured a significant £250,000 funding package to support its relocation and growth plans. Sonic Solutions, which specialises in cleaning industrial components, has moved to new premises in the town, marking a major expansion from its original site in Dewsbury.
Major Expansion and New Premises
The funding comes from NPIF II - Mercia Debt Finance, managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. This six-figure investment will be used to fit out the company's new 8,800 square foot building in Huddersfield and purchase new equipment. The new facility nearly triples the size of Sonic Solutions' previous Dewsbury location, providing ample space for future growth.
Founded by Andrew Taylor in 2004, Sonic Solutions has demonstrated impressive growth in recent years, reportedly doubling its turnover over the past three years. The company offers specialised cleaning services for industrial filters and heat exchanges using advanced processes including ultrasonics, chemical treatments, thermal stripping, and vapour blasting.
Impressive Client Portfolio and Industry Expansion
The company serves a prestigious client base that includes major corporations such as BP, British Sugar, Airbus, and British Gas. In recent years, Sonic Solutions has successfully expanded into new industry sectors including plastics recycling and defence, demonstrating the versatility and demand for their specialised services.
Currently employing nine staff members, the company has ambitious plans to create six additional jobs over the next three years as part of its expansion strategy. This job creation represents a significant boost to the local economy and employment opportunities in the Huddersfield area.
Management Perspective on Growth
Andrew Taylor, founder and managing director of Sonic Solutions, explained the business rationale behind the expansion: "Industrial filters are essential components across numerous industries, with individual units costing up to £1,500 each and requiring regular maintenance. Many companies struggle with in-house cleaning, creating a substantial market for professional services like ours."
"Professional cleaning significantly reduces operating costs by extending filter lifespan and minimising equipment downtime," Taylor continued. "We've documented cases where clients have saved up to £75,000 annually through our services. As businesses increasingly focus on operational efficiencies in the current economic climate, we're experiencing growing demand. This investment will enable us to increase our capacity to meet this rising market need."
Investment Community Support
David Wright of Mercia Debt commented on the investment decision: "Andrew has developed a thriving business that has established itself as a market leader in several sectors, particularly plastics recycling. Following a period of rapid expansion, the company had clearly outgrown its previous facility. We're delighted to support this strategic relocation, which will enhance operational efficiency and provide the necessary space for continued growth."
Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: "Supporting ambitious businesses to invest, grow, and create employment across Northern England represents a core objective of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. Sonic Solutions exemplifies a Yorkshire-based company responding effectively to market demand by expanding its facilities and increasing capacity. Access to appropriate financing at the right moment proves crucial for businesses at this stage of development, and NPIF II is specifically designed to help them scale sustainably while achieving their growth ambitions."
The expansion of Sonic Solutions represents a positive development for Huddersfield's business landscape, demonstrating how specialised industrial service providers can secure investment, create jobs, and contribute to regional economic growth through strategic expansion and innovation in their field.
