A Wrexham-based specialist in heavy machinery repair has increased its fleet of mobile workshops by 50 per cent thanks to support from Business Wales.
Dragon Hydraulics, based on the Wrexham industrial estate, is forging ahead with expansion plans after investing more than £50,000 following advice and support from the Welsh Government’s free business advice service.
The company, which prides itself in delivering fast repairs to hydraulic faults experienced by plant machinery, accessed grant application support and advice from Business Wales.
The support saw Dragon Hydraulics successfully apply for Welsh Government SME Capital grant worth £25,000, which went towards purchasing more £50,000 worth of new equipment.
The financial boost has been used to kit out two new bespoke mobile workshops, enabling Dragon Hydraulics’ skilled technicians to take on more jobs than ever before across North Wales and Cheshire.
Dragon Hydraulics has also hired two new members of staff, bringing the total number of workers to 12, and is searching for more technicians as part of ambitious plans to expand across the North Wales coast.
Gary Richards, Dragon Hydraulics’ managing director, said the support offered by Business Wales had been crucial to his company’s growth.
Gary said: “The new vans have already made a big difference to our business – we’ve seen more work come in, which will help us to continue to grow the business.
“Our new mobile workshops have allowed us to reach more clients in faster times, as well as taking on new workers.
“We now want to open satellite workshops across the North Wales coast, and are looking for new workers to help us grow the business even further, including sales representatives, hydraulic cylinder technicians, engineers and mobile technicians.
“The personal support we’ve received from Business Wales has been fantastic so far – we’re definitely going to continue working with them.
“It’s good to know that there’s a one-stop shop where you can go for support. It’s daunting looking for the right expertise and advice, so knowing that everything is available in one location from Business Wales is a very positive thing.”
Business Wales’ free services are available to businesses from across Wales that are more than 12 months old. Including specialist advice on matters such as export, human resources and training, Business Wales has a wealth of information to help support all businesses across Wales.
One of Dragon Hydraulics’ new recruits is 26-year-old Chris Bedson from Buckley.
Chris, who has swapped a career in dairy farming to join Dragon Hydraulics, will man one of the new mobile workshops, and is ready and available to attend call-outs across North Wales and beyond.
Chris said: “I’m made up to find a job that I really love.
“Being a dairy farmer, I was doing the same thing, day in, day out, but here at Dragon I’m with new people and in new places every day.
“The work is interesting, the rest of the lads are spot on and Gary’s been fantastic with me in helping me complete my training. I couldn’t have asked for more.
“It’s definitely not an easy job – you’re responsible for other people’s safety, and have to make sure you do a thorough job in ensuring everything is fitted correctly.”
Business Wales advisor John Jarvis, who offered advice and support to Dragon Hydraulics, said: “Achieving the grant was paramount to getting the company’s tools out on the road.
“The team were very keen to expand and had a clear idea of how they were going to do it, and achieving this grant has really accelerated that process.
“We keep in touch and will be providing further information on ways we can support their plans for expansion in the future.”
As well as providing expert guidance, all Business Wales services are delivered bilingually, ensuring everyone has access to the wealth of opportunities available. Business Wales is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.