The head of Ace Winches has hailed “remarkable growth” at the north-east engineering firm after a jump in both turnover and profits.
Chief executive Alfie Cheyne, who founded the deck-machinery specialist more than 20 years ago, said the future looked bright for the company after turnover hit £31.1million in 2012.
This was a 42% rise on the previous year, while pre-tax and operating profits were up 7% to £7.4million and £7.6million respectively.
Ace employs more than 250 people at its multimillion-pound headquarters at Towie Barclay Works near Turriff, having recruited about 50 workers in the past year.
The company invested £2million in its hire fleet and a further £7.1million on its manufacturing and hire division during 2012.
Mr Cheyne said expansion in Europe and farther afield had given a boost to the firm, which received its second Queen’s Awards for Enterprise last month in recognition of its international trade.
He added: “Despite the difficult economic conditions in 2012, both at home and abroad, Ace Winches has managed to deliver remarkable growth.
“We are developing greater strength in all areas of our business, in particular our service division and through our Ace Winch Academy, and our core business in the manufacturing and hire of winch packages remains strong.
“Globally we are reaching out to customers with new projects in India and Asia, as well as in our home European markets.”
Ace said its workforce included more than 40 Modern Apprentices, six graduate engineers and 12 trainees.
Mr Cheyne said: “As a major employer in the area, the company recognises the influence it has on the local economy and community.
“Our objective remains securing the long-term future of the company for the good of all those that work here. We are confident that the long-term future looks bright.”