Accrington sheet metal specialist receives funding boost

Posted on 9 Nov 2023 by The Manufacturer

Metal fabricator, Pharma Sheet Metal (PSM), has secured a £200k loan from Rosebud Finance, Lancashire County Council’s business loans vehicle delivered by GC Business Finance, to support its continued growth.

Established in Accrington in 2021, PSM is now a prominent player in the sheet metal industry. With 30 years’ experience in all aspects of sheet metal fabrication, Lee Limbert initially started PSM in a single unit. In two years the company has expanded to occupy three adjoining units totalling 15,000 square foot.

PSM operates in two distinct departments, food metal detection equipment and premium sheet metal services for a wide range of industries.

To meet increasing client demand, PSM has continued to grow. From its initial team of just four, PSM’s now 24-strong team is poised to expand its service offering across both departments.

Having worked with Mark Gibbons at Access to Finance (A2F), Lee was referred to Rosebud through the program. Subsequently, the loan from Rosebud has been used to invest in advanced machinery including CNC laser cutting, bending and milling and turning machines, along with a self-contained glass beadblast unit, all of which brings outsourced production processes in-house.

Limbert also received support from Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub to help prepare the business for growth. After an initial conversation with a Boost adviser, he received mentoring support and was also introduced to a new Lancashire-based supplier.

Alongside a focus on bringing outsourced parts in-house, PSM is also committed to building out its global supply chain, streamlining operations and reinforcing its commitment to delivering top-tier quality and efficiency. Additionally, it is looking to train the next generation by investing in more apprentices.

Lee Limbert, Director at Pharma Sheet Metal, said: “As a business owner, the first few years can be a real learning curve. From growing our team to expanding our premises, there have been so many milestones, and I’m very proud of the position we’ve been able to establish in the market. The funding from Rosebud marks yet another milestone, and the support received from Jonathan has been instrumental in driving the growth of our business.

“Now, we’re on the cusp of an exciting new chapter where we’ll be investing in apprenticeships, expanding our global supply chain, and broadening our customer base.”

Jonathan Nelson, Senior Loans Manager at Rosebud, said: “The impressive strides Pharma Sheet Metal has made, both in terms of their operations and their commitment to excellence, stand as a testament to their dedication and hard work. The team’s ongoing growth and its steadily expanding clientele serve as an example of the remarkable entrepreneurship found in Lancashire. I wish the team every success and look forward to seeing how the business develops in the coming years.”

Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council, added: “The rapid growth of Pharma Sheet Metal perfectly displays the strength of businesses in Lancashire. With a number of resources in our region it’s great to see that Lee was able to utilise A2F, Boost, and Rosebud to facilitate further growth. These services play a key role in driving forward progress and boosting our regional economic prosperity and I wish Lee and the team all the best for the future.”

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