A CLITHEROE-based company has seen off the competition to win a prestigious company of the year award.

Spiroflow has received the accolade from the Solids Handling and Processing Association. The company has reported a 35 per cent increase in sales between 2011 and 2014 and is on target for a further 20 per cent increase in 2015.

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The gross profit has allowed for investment in infrastructure in areas such as IT, health and safety and training as well as taking on more staff.

The company styles itself as a leading manufacturer of conveying and weighing systems which are ordered by companies across the world, for use in their factories.

The title is given to the organisation that has achieved the most in any category, relative to their size, by promoting best practice, setting aspirational industry standards and increasing sales.

Spiroflow has experienced a busy year, with the opening of its new state-of-the-art technology centre near its head office in the town in January.

In addition to carrying out testing on manufacturing materials, the centre allows clients to run a full scale machine trial before they choose whether or not to invest in the technology.

Spiroflow’s marketing director, Cathy Podevyn, said: “It’s made me realise just how much we have achieved over the last three years. Good profits, steady sales growth, particularly exports, a solid and growing bank of key customers, and a new technology centre for testing and machine demonstration.

“I’m grateful to the strong team of colleagues who have made our success possible through good times and not so good, and for the young team that will propel us forward in the future.”

The company has a factory in North Carolina in the USA serving North and South America and the Far East, designs powder handling systems, including specialised conveyors and bulk bag handling equipment for the food, chemical, minerals and other process industries.

Mayor of Clitheroe Cllr Val Cooper said: “I congratulate them on winning this award. It will be good for them and the whole town.”