FAMILY-run ASL has enjoyed a highly successful year, with sales 20 per cent up and a net profit at a very healthy 13 per cent.

The firm, founded in 1995 by managing director Graham Balshaw, is a sub-contract manufacturing company specialising in electrical wiring products and control/instrumental panels.

From its Bolton factory it sells products to industrial customers mainly in the UK, but exports 10 per cent to Europe and China.

ASL is one of the leading suppliers in the UK for hybrid wring systems used in electric/diesel transport vehicles. Local customers include trailer-makers Indespension in Horwich.

The continuing success of the company was signposted in October, 2012, when ASL moved into the new 32,000 sq ft factory it now occupies in Bolton, as Mr Balshaw targets the expansion of his workforce.

Although the past few years have been challenging for companies in the manufacturing, while many of ASL’s competitors were cutting costs and staff numbers, Mr Balshaw and his team made the bold and optimistic approach to invest heavily in sales and marketing.

“It is fantastic news to be shortlisted for SME Business of the Year,” Mr Balshaw said. “ASL has just invested more than £1.5 million building a new manufacturing factory in Bolton. We currently employ 50 staff and are looking to increase that number by another 20 in the next couple of years.

“Being shortlisted or winning awards like this sends out a very positive message to our customers and other partners as to what we are trying to achieve.”