Press release
Barnsley's Kestrel sets sail for success
A Barnsley-based manufacturer that provides bespoke catering equipment for supermarkets and restaurants is cooking on gas after turning its specialist expertise to the marine industry.
Established in 1997, Kestrel Technology Services produces a range of machinery for a UK-wide customer base that includes bakeries, restaurants and major supermarket chains.
The company supplies over 200 machines a year, which range from doughnut frying machines and measured water dispensing systems to re-heating appliances and wrapping devices.
Kestrel, which currently employs six people, expects turnover to break the £1 million barrier thanks to a diversification strategy which will see it design and manufacture fittings for luxury yachts such as Jeanneau and Etap.
To support this growth, the business has brought on board asset based lending specialist Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, which will help fund the strategy by lending against the value of the firm's sales ledger.
Kestrel's success is based on its ability to use latest 3D computer software to design and manufacture machinery that can match a wide range of specific requirements and specifications.
The business has designed an entire production line that manufactures and packages Chinese seaweed and was recently contracted to design an oven capable of cooking 400 ducks simultaneously.
Kestrel will now be applying this expertise to the lucrative marine market where bespoke designed products for yachts are in high demand.
The business is run by managing director Garry Foster, his wife Carole and fellow director Ian Fleetwood. Garry has 25 years of engineering and design experience in the food retail and catering industries, having worked for several large manufacturing companies.
Garry said: "The catering industry is becoming ever more automated and is demanding increasingly sophisticated computer controlled machinery.
"Our team boasts the specialist knowledge required to adapt the technology used in the catering industry to the booming marine sector, which will drive much of Kestrel's future growth.
"The factoring facilities provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance will ensure we have the cash flow required to service new contracts in this sector and help us to quickly establish a strong customer base in the marine industry."
James Scarborough, regional manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance in South Yorkshire, said: "Chinese manufacturers are putting pressure on their UK counterparts so it is essential Kestrel continue to innovate in order to remain competitive.
"Our facilities will bridge the gap between the outlay required to build a machine and the time it takes for Kestrel to receive payment. This liquidity will enable the business to continue investing in new technology and give it the support required to make significant inroads into its chosen markets."
Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance is part of the Lloyds TSB Group plc.
