Work has begun on a site expansion by hand tool manufacturer Richard Carter, with the purchase of machinery contributing to new investment in the Huddersfield site worth £250,000.

A new woodturning machine will result in a 20% improvement in efficiency compared to previous equipment, as well as provide opportunity for staff to learn new skills, the company says.

In addition, work began in June 2015 on a new 9,000sqft warehouse, being constructed next to the current Richard Carter factory in Honley, Huddersfield, as revealed on BMN in April.

Yorkshire-based Radcliffe Construction has been commissioned to build the new site, which is planned to meet customer demand and provide additional storage, as well as allowing the existing 50,000sqft site to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities.

To commemorate its 275th anniversary this year, the family-run firm has announced plans to bury a time capsule underneath the new site, alongside time capsules created by key customers and local schools with whom the business has long standing links.

Managing director Richard Carter said: “The new equipment combined with the site expansion shows that we’re putting all the necessary measures in place to accelerate our growth.

“We want to build on the 275 years of quality manufacturing that our forefathers have set the precedent for.”