A Bradford logistics and packaging firm, which has seen a recent surge in orders, is among those looking forward with increased confidence.

Low Moor-based MC Logistics is one of the companies featured in the latest Manufacturing Advisory Service Barometer, which says more that half of local small and medium manufacturers were expecting the next six months to be better and planning growth and investment.

MC Logistics said that after a flat first nine months of 2012, a recent influx of orders could lead to between five to ten per cent growth by the end of the year.

The company manufactures timber casing as part of an international freight forwarding service that serves customers in more than 12 industries.

Company secretary and acting managing director Kath Parry said: “The last few weeks have certainly been the busiest to date and this bodes well in terms of more companies looking to export again.

“We are able to handle anything as small as a thimble to an object weighing 60 tonnes and this flexibility proves a big draw to our clients.

“Significant time and investment has been directed into developing our lean manufacturing performance, reducing our waste and in the purchase of a wall saw.

“This puts us in a great position to take advantage of the increase in orders we are securing now and in the near future.”

According to Government-funded MAS, small and medium manufacturers in Bradford and Yorkshire are expecting to increase sales over the next six months.

Its latest Barometer survey showed that 53 per cent of the companies questioned expect to grow between now and March, 2013, with 39 per cent of firms set to boost investment in plant and machinery. There was also a moderate increase in those planning to spend on new technology (36 per cent).

The Barometer also showed that 50 per cent of Yorkshire SMEs were selling into the materials and general engineering sector, 46 per cent to automotive customers and 42 per cent to the food and drink industry.

MAS area director Martin Coats said: “It’s reassuring to see more of our SMEs are expecting to increase their sales going forward and this despite a slight fall over the last six months.

“Manufacturers have been reporting fluctuating demand and softening in certain sectors so to see the renewed optimism suggests many believe these markets are coming back on stream.”

“Eighty three per cent of Yorkshire and Humber companies told us that they intend to maintain or increase their workforce, which shows a general stability in these figures.”

MAS found that barriers to growth included a lack of market knowledge when entering a sector, while regulation remained a concern, particularly for those operating in chemicals, defence and pharmaceuticals.