EMBRACING new technologies has resulted in record sales at North Yorkshire engineering firm Lambert as cloud-based systems pave the way for growing exports.

Tadcaster-based Lambert, which provides automation systems, equipment engineering and precision components, has reported a 21 per cent rise in turnover to a record £22.6 million over the last 12 months.

The company now exports 80 per cent of the equipment it builds to customers in Europe, North America and South America, and has enjoyed particular growth in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Medical markets, where the its new cloud based ‘Omni Feeder’ technology has been “fundamental” in securing new contracts.

Mike Lewis, associate sales director at Lambert, said: “2016 was all about investment in our people and new technologies that will continue to give us a competitive advantage over our rivals. The good news is it appears to be a formula that is working, with more than £4 million of new sales already delivered in the first quarter of 2017.

“However, you can’t stand still in what we do and similar levels of investment have been directed into ensuring we are at the forefront of cloud-based automation and cyber physical connectivity

“The consumers desire to personalise and constantly refresh their purchases is driving manufacturers to request automation solutions that are suited to provide lower batch sizes and to be configurable with zero downtime.

“There is also a growing demand for higher productivity that means an ever increasing need to have real time performance data in various locations.”

Lambert’s directors made the announcements during an event at the firm’s Tadcaster headquarters, backed by manufacturing trade body EEF, which explored the growing impact of what has been dubbed the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Keynote speeches form Mike Lewis, Martin Strutt (EEF Consultancy Director), Nick Hussey (Hennik Group) and Warren Harvard (Festo GB) discussed the practices and solutions companies are adopting to optimise their operations and improve connectivity.

There were also demonstrations from technology experts Balluff, Rockwell Automation, Staubli and Festo GB, and a guided tour of Lambert’s facility.

Lambert is expecting turnover to grow again in 2017 and, while a large number of contracts are for customers overseas, there is one UK manufacturing plant that is investing around £6.6 million in automation with Lambert.

EEF consultancy director Martin Strutt said: “4IR is happening and goes far beyond simply investing in new technologies and techniques – this new era requires cultural shifts, new business models and the ability to adapt and innovate.”