Overseas is key to Lock success story

AN Oldham manufacturing company formed more than 60 years ago is continuing to make a huge impact in international markets.

Lock Inspections Systems Ltd, based in Neville Street, Oldham, has grown to become the world’s leading independent supplier of industrial metal detection equipment to the food processing and pharmaceutical industry sectors in the UK.

Forward-thinking management at the business used a unique environment dominated by a small group of retailers and manufacturers to develop world-beating sensitivity and performance from their machines.

Lock has become a major supplier of detection equipment to the world’s food and pharmaceutical and textile manufacturing corporations.

A major exporter, with more than 50 per cent of its turnover from international trade, Lock grew its business by more than six per cent in 2011.

“We have a very robust business and can name some of the world’s biggest and most successful companies as our customers,” head of sales and marketing Simon Taylor said.

Chief executive Dave Garnett said: “The US seems to be the market that is growing for us.

“Our reputation is growing and we are punching well above our weight.’’