AN ENGINEERING firm in Otley is aiming to nearly quadruple its turnover within five years.

Craftsman Tools Ltd is using a £100,000 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) grant to break into new global markets.

The deal will see the award-winning business, which specialises in innovate methods of tool-holding and work-holding, teaming up with experts from the University of Huddersfield

The goal will be to introduce advanced technology and manufacturing systems to help Craftsman focus more on designing and making its own products.

The company is hoping the new approach will result in its turnover rising from £1.2 million to £4 million in five years.

The KTP is being financially backed by the Government body Innovate UK and involves an Associate being based at the company.

Daniel Emsley, who studied for a Master of Engineering degree in Automotive Engineering at the University of Huddersfield, has been appointed to the role.

Originally from South Yorkshire Daniel, who will oversee the implementation and testing as the changes take effect, now lives in Otley.

The KTP’s lead academic, Dr Simon Fletcher, said: "Craftsman aims to be more product-focussed and to increase its efficiency at manufacturing core products.

"Daniel will be using computer engineering tools such as finite element analysis for design optimisation, and he will develop lights-out production for more of the firm’s products.

"In order to do that he needs to design for manufacture.

"It is not just designing for functionality, but with a consideration of production efficiency.

"He will also be looking at the ability to perform inspection on the machine and alternative shop floor inspection methods to improve throughput, so he needs practical engineering skills and a metrology mind as well."

Formed in Yeadon in 1953, the firm moved to its Side Copse base in Otley, off Pool Road, in 1965.

It has worked with the university before on a previous knowledge transfer partnership.