A Bolton based clean air technology business has announced a major expansion in North America with a new facility to serve a growing client base in the pharmaceuticals sector.

Howorth Air Technology is establishing an operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, from where it will provide a range of services.

These will include service support, spare parts and training as well as modifications, conversions and upgrades to clients’ existing Howorth containment equipment.

The new base is headed by Cory Clarke as Howorth’s new US technical and facilities manager. Cory joined the business as an apprentice and has risen through the ranks to his latest role.

Howorth, which has its headquarters in Bolton, Greater Manchester, is a £20m+ turnover business employing 130 staff. It designs, manufactures and assembles ultra clean air equipment for use in operating theatres, and for the pharma, biotechnology and life science industries.

It supplies the pharma industry with containment equipment such as isolators, downflow booths and a multi-connection system to create a pure air working environment for the safe handling of active ingredients and formulations in an enclosed space, free of contaminants.

Dave Howes, chief executive of the group’s US arm Howorth Air Technology Inc, said: “As a supplier of high containment solutions to the pharmaceuticals industry, North America is a major part of our business activity and we have secured a number of key customers throughout the territory.

“This expansion represents a significant milestone for Howorth and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the growing demand for our equipment and services across North America.

“It enhances the support we are able to provide to existing customers, and gives us the ability to serve a wider client base. Establishing a presence in North Carolina will help us to increase our market share and fuel further growth for the business overall.

“By being able to provide a range of support in the same time zones as our North American customers, we can offer additional peace of mind by helping them to efficiently plan scheduled servicing activities, reducing the possibility of down-time.”

The Bolton News: Corey ClarkeCorey Clarke

Dave added: “North Carolina is an attractive location and was chosen after an extensive selection process, which took into consideration the need to identify somewhere close to a major airport with quick and convenient access to all of North America, as well as where there is already an impressive base of pharma operations, a healthy supply chain and a wealth of talent from which to recruit.

“Being on the east coast also maximises the overlap in working hours with our UK parent.”

Cory joined Howorth as an electrical apprentice in 2007 and has since gained a degree in business management while working across multiple areas of the group’s medical and pharma operations.

Dave said: “Cory’s exceptional experience and knowledge combined with his strong leadership abilities will prove invaluable in the day-to-day management of the new Charlotte hub.

“We are confident that he will successfully lead our operations in North Carolina and provide exceptional service to our clients to help drive further growth across North America.

“His appointment to head this exciting new venture underlines the success of our apprenticeships programme, to which we are fully committed and of which we are incredibly proud.

“It is a true demonstration that Howorth is a global company which offers opportunities beyond our facilities in Bolton.”

Dave said the company may look to repeat its service hub model elsewhere in the future. Howorth, headed by group managing director Jim Liptrot, also exports to territories including Europe and the Far East. The group was recently ranked in the E2E International 100 as one of the UK’s fastest-growing export companies.