AN ambitious Bury manufacturer is looking to increase turnover fivefold in as many years.

And bosses at Specialist Switchgear, in Bridge Street, Freetown, are putting their faith in apprentices to help them achieve that goal.

In the past year the electrical panel maker and components seller has upped sticks from a small workshop in Kay Street to repurposed premises nearby, where new offices have been created for sales and demonstrations, as well as stores.

Their ranks have swelled from three full-timers to 19, with an offshoot in Leeds.

But this is just the beginning, according to general operations manager John Pye.

The turnover for the company, which is overseen by managing director Phil Hoy, was just over £2million for the past year - but a £10million target has been set,

“We’ve recognised the scope for growth and what we can achieve,” Mr Pye told the Bury Times.

“With every new building there’s the chance of supplying our equipment.”

An e-commerce site is being developed, with the firm already stocking everything from the latest components to obsolete parts for customers.

Mr Pye says the potential for signing up clients to maintenance contracts is also being explored, as the life span of their boards can range from 20 to 30 years.

Recent clients have ranged from scrap yards and factories to hospitals and hotels, each of which will have its own energy requirements.

Four trainees, all from the Bury and Bolton areas, are currently learning the ropes at Specialist Switchgear.

Joshua Grundy, 18, Andrew Maiden, 22, and Stuart Nye, 24, are manufacturing apprentices there and Joseph Derbyshire, 18, will go on to specialise in design.