Powering the sweet smell of success

29 June 2012 – Thorite has supplied an HPC compressor to Candy Makers, helping power the company to an 800% growth in turnover.

The compressor, an HPC SX6RN, has a 4kW capacity and drives a range of sweet making machines, cleaning systems, a metal detection unit and bagging machine via a Thorite designed and installed compressed air distribution system. Thorite also supplied air tools for use within the factory.

Thorite is monitoring Candy Makers’ spectacular growth on a regular basis during scheduled servicing operations and will provide additional machinery and control systems as power requirements increase.

Candy Makers moved to Leeds in February this year with help from Leeds City Council and has already won major contracts to supply wholesale and retail customers with its sugar-free sweets. Speaking of the company’s strong association with Thorite Robert Whittleston, Candy Makers’ managing director says,"The help we’ve received from Thorite in respect of powering current output in the most cost effective and energy-efficient way, as well as advising us on planned growth requirements, has been very much appreciated. Our progress since relocating has been outstanding and I’m confident that with both Thorite’s and the council’s continued assistance, plus our own hard work, the future will be even sweeter."

Candy Makers received a grant through the council’s business growth fund to help cover the cost of new machinery and fitting out the new premises. Employment Leeds is now helping the company to recruit new additional staff. The firm currently has around 50 different in-house product lines and also manufactures ‘regular’ sweets to order.