Five graduates are to be recruited over the next year by a software firm that is benefiting from a growing need for manufacturing companies to become leaner and more efficient.

Cimlogic Ltd, based in Northgate, Baildon, designs and installs software systems that enable manufacturers to constantly check the efficiency of their equipment and processes.

Its programmes are in demand by leading UK firms in several sectors, including confectionery, brewing and distribution. The company’s systems integration technology also regularly finds its way into the overseas plants of several UK-based global operations.

Managing director Mike Hodge, who founded Cimlogic in 1997, said the firm had benefited from the need for companies to become more efficient and reduce waste and costs.

He said: “When times are good, companies invest in new plant and machinery. When times are harder, they turn their attention to getting more out of what they’ve got, and our systems help them achieve that.

“They enable manufacturers to regularly check the operating efficiency of their machinery, flag up potential issues and also point the way to solving problems. While many manufacturers have efficiency levels of around 85 per cent, there are still those with only 30 per cent and have a long way to go to improve,” said Mr Hodge The level of interest in Cimlogic’s systems continues to grow. The firm exhibited at the recent Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham in a bid to raise its profile in existing and new markets, and came away with around 60 enquiries.

He is focusing on furthering the company’s growth through a commitment to graduate recruitment.

Mr Hodge said: “As part of our graduate recruitment plan we expect to recruit at least five graduates in the next 12 months. This is an excellent opportunity for graduates to work alongside some really experienced engineers and to assist with the development of software and integrated systems for our customers, who are some of Britain’s largest manufacturers.”

He is looking to recruit mainly engineering graduates with an interest in IT.

Mr Hodge said: “Exciting times are ahead and we look forward to welcoming new additions to the team.”

Cimlogic Ltd was formed primarily for the supply of control systems for automation projects. The firm took this a step further and exploited a gap in the market to link control systems knowledge with computer-integrated manufacturing. Since 2002, the company has grown from just one employee to 13.