F.E. Robinson looks overseas after £750k facility

Precision engineering services provider F.E. Robinson has secured a £750k invoice finance facility from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance as it looks to expand its presence into new international markets.

Founded in 1949, F.E. Robinson provides precision engineering for businesses in the aerospace sector. With sites in Hooten and Broughton, the company currently employs 40 staff and boasts an impressive client base including Airbus and Rolls Royce.

In 2010, the company made significant investments in its machinery to increase its capabilities, including laser profiling, precision folding and powder coating. This has enabled F.E. Robinson to offer an end to end production service, from prototype through to full runs.

The £750k facility, provided by Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, will be used to manage the company’s cashflow and generate sustainable growth. With many of F.E Robinson’s clients based in Europe and Singapore, the business is looking to further extend its overseas targets in the coming years.

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance has enjoyed a strong start to 2016, with lending balances to SMEs tripling in the year up to 30 June.

Guy Williams, managing director at F.E. Robinson, said:

“Aerospace is thriving in the North West, and there are many huge opportunities available to companies in this area. To ensure that we expand at the same rate as the sector, we needed to enhance our cash flow to keep up with the main players in the region.

“Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance was able to create a funding line that facilitated our needs, demonstrating an understanding of our business and the challenges presented by the export markets. We were able to speak with local, senior members of the team who had the experience to get the deal turned around quickly and smoothly.”

Dave Green, regional sales director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said:

“F.E. Robinson is an exciting business with the potential to make a real impact in the aerospace sector. The company has already developed a long-standing relationship with Airbus, and now supplies a large percentage of parts across its fleet.

“With ambitions to extend its overseas client base, a flexible invoice finance facility was required to ensure this growth could be managed. Having worked closely with the team to find the right solution, we’re confident that F.E. Robinson is in a strong position to expand its operations over the coming months.”

Mark Critchlow, managing director at Clearview, who advised F.E. Robinson on the deal, said:

“F.E. Robinson required a funder with experience of the challenges that it currently faces in its sector, providing the capability to structure a facility that provided a long term solution. Secure Trust Bank was the obvious choice, with the flexible package offered capable of expanding alongside the company.

“The team were able to deliver the funding in a short timeframe, leaving the business ideally positioned for future growth.”