South Ribble Firesleeve manufacturer sets sights on international growth following Rosebud funding
Bamber Bridge-based Firesleeve manufacturing company, Sleeve It Ltd, has secured a £210k loan from Lancashire County Council’s Rosebud Finance.
Established in 2003, Sleeve It Ltd manufactures insulation materials, protective sleeving, ‘E’ glass sleeving, and identification products. It supplies its products globally to a range of industries, including hydraulic, automotive, aerospace, military, marine, and rail.
The investment from Rosebud will allow Sleeve It Ltd to increase its manufacturing capabilities as the business sets its sights on obtaining more international customers. By increasing the speed and capacity of manufacturing, the business will be able to offer more flexibility and competitive pricing, attracting a broader client base from an increasingly interested global market.
Since securing the loan from Rosebud Finance, Sleeve It Ltd has also expanded its team, taking on two new hires who will sit within its sales and production teams, in line with both its short and long-term business growth plans.
The business has ambitious plans for the future as it looks to improve its product offering. The loan from Rosebud has supported the business with the procurement of raw materials and tooling, which means it has the ability to increase its Firesleeve range from 127mm to 200mm – something that is not yet available in the industry and sets Sleeve It Ltd apart from its competition.
Sharon McKie, Director at Sleeve It Ltd said:
“We have already established a strong presence in the UK manufacturing industry and have ambitions to continue this success worldwide. We are keen to expand our current offering to the Irish market, as this currently remains untapped, and the funding from Rosebud Finance will help us achieve this, as well as looking further afield. I look forward to seeing what is next for Sleeve It as we continue to innovate and remain competitive in the market.”
Jonathan Nelson, Fund Manager at Rosebud Finance, said:
“Sleeve It Ltd is a great example of the vast amount of innovation talent that sits within Lancashire. Having worked with Sharon and the team to secure the loan, it’s an exciting time as they gear up to continue expanding internationally, as well as developing a new product range that would be a first for the industry. I look forward to seeing what they will achieve next.”
Carole Haythornthwaite, County Councillor at Lancashire County Council, said:
“Sleeve It Ltd is a great example of the talent Lancashire businesses have to offer. The business already operates internationally and is expanding on this through the support of a Rosebud loan. Businesses like Sleeve It play a key role in driving forward regional economic prosperity, putting our region on the world stage. I wish the team at Sleeve It Ltd all the best for the future and look forward to seeing them grow further.”
