Mayor of West Yorkshire visits Accu premises in Huddersfield

Accu - which employs around 120 people and supplies over 50% of the world's top 100 manufacturers across 130 countries - relocated its warehouse operations to the 45,000 sq ft site in March last year, following a 1 million investment in plant and technology.

Alastair Morris, managing director (UK) at Accu, said: "It was fantastic to welcome the Mayor of West Yorkshire to our premises and to discuss with her how the extra capacity we now have means we have been able to scale our operations and create new employment opportunities.

"We've also been able to expand our product range available for same-day dispatch along with investing in the latest software systems, which has given us the ability to receive orders, pick, pack and deliver them in market-leading time. All these factors have led to our growth in business by over 20% in the last 12 months."

Alastair adds: "We're planning to increase our product lines significantly during 2025, introducing more new components than ever with a focus on specialist, 'hard to find' products in a variety of different materials and grades. As we expand our range to well over half a million lines and are currently attracting around 2,500 new customers per week, it really is an exciting time for our business."

The Mayor had the opportunity to speak to Accu employees and learn about the work of its award-winning apprentices, who are part of the company's own Academy.

To meet the growth demands of the business, Accu has increased staff levels by over 15% in the past 12 months. Because of the company's investment, repeat orders have significantly increased, accounting for over 80% of all sales and Accu has increased its exports, particularly in countries such as the United States where they've seen a 65% increase in revenue last year. US customers now contribute to over 15% of Accu's overall business.

Accu's MD Alastair Morris explained how introducing a four-day working week for employees in 2022, has been a really positive move - both in terms of productivity and employee morale and wellbeing.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: "Our region is a manufacturing and engineering powerhouse, and we're on a mission to grow our economy by supporting our fastest growing sectors to succeed. Accu's investment in our region is creating more well-paid jobs for local people to thrive in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.

"And as a member of our Fair Work Charter, I'm delighted that Accu is committed to being a great employer, including the introduction of a four-day working week to boost productivity, wellbeing and recruitment."

Alastair added: "Accu is a truly global business but employing and nurturing a local workforce and, in turn, supporting our local economy, is hugely important to how we operate. We are proud to be based here and to be able to give back, through our charitable arm, the AccuFoundation, and by encouraging employees to volunteer in the local community."

The AccuFoundation was launched in 2022 with the aim of inspiring employees at Accu to support local charities. All Accu team members are given the opportunity to participate in a full day of charity work every year. Charities supported include The Kirkwood, Hollybank Trust, Forget Me Not Hospice and the RSPCA.

As part of the company's commitment to the local area, Accu recently announced its partnership with Huddersfield Town Football Club, as the Official Engineering Partner for the 2024/25 season.