Ekspan: £1m turnover increase supported by a Productivity Grant

At Business Sheffield, we support manufacturers across the city to improve efficiency, reduce downtime and grow through targeted investment. Through the Productivity Grant, we help businesses invest in equipment, technology and processes that strengthen operations and increase competitiveness.

Ekspan is a specialist engineering and manufacturing company based in Sheffield. With more than 30 years of experience, the business designs, manufactures and installs bridge bearings, expansion joints and complex structural components. Today, the company employs over 60 people across its engineering, manufacturing and installation teams.

Operating at this scale requires the safe and efficient movement of large, heavy components across the factory floor. However, limited lifting equipment was creating delays in production and slowing down workflows.

“Previously, we only had two cranes across the entire factory, which meant we often had to wait for lifting equipment to become available before continuing production” says Max Angerer, Managing Director at Ekspan.

To address this challenge, Ekspan worked with Business Sheffield to access the UKSPF Business Productivity Grant Scheme. With support from the grant, the company invested in two additional 5-ton overhead cranes, supplied by a local Rotherham-based company. The grant contributed £11,000 towards the total £22,000 investment.

This investment transformed the way the business operates. By increasing lifting capacity, multiple teams can now work simultaneously without delays, significantly improving workflow across the factory.

“Within the first 12 months, we achieved around a 29 percent increase in productivity, largely by reducing lost production time and enabling multiple teams to work simultaneously” adds Max.

The impact has gone beyond operational improvements. Increased efficiency has supported business growth, helping Ekspan generate approximately £1 million in additional turnover, while also reducing reliance on external plant hire.

At Business Sheffield, we work closely with businesses to understand their challenges and identify practical solutions that deliver results. From initial conversations through to accessing funding, our advisors provide tailored support to help companies invest with confidence and improve productivity.

If your business is looking to improve efficiency, invest in new equipment or optimise operations, get in touch with our team at businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 224 5000 to find out more about the Productivity Grant and the free support available.