AN ANDOVER-based company that tripled the size of its business in weeks to support Covid-19 pandemic has been named company of the year at industry awards. 

MRT Castings beat several finalists to secure its title after impressing judges with the way it scaled rapidly to cast aluminium components to one of the world's largest producers of critical care ventilators.

It was named as the "best of British casting" at the recent UK Cast Metal Industry Awards 2022 that saw more than 200 guests attend.

Bosses at the firm invested more than £3.5m in two additional diecasting cells, seven additional CNC machines and recruited 45 staff to meet huge increases in volumes that saw it grow from £7.8m to £20.8m in a matter of months.

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Phil Rawnson, managing director of MRT Castings, said: “Our growth plans, which we had intended to take over five years, were condensed into weeks as we invested over £3.5m into meeting the urgent needs of customers supporting the Covid-19 effort.

“This was a massive task, but one that was achieved thanks to the amazing hard work of our staff. Importantly for the business, it is now also enabling new projects and process optimisation, leading to major new customers in a range of sectors.”

Adam Vicary, CEO of Castings PLC, said: "Despite the gloomy economic predictions, the majority of our foundries are doing well, and this is typified by the quality and innovation of our finalists.

“We can clearly see a commitment to innovation and problem solving, working with customers and embracing new technology from all our winners, not to mention a willingness to collaborate, develop workforces and push forward with sustainability.”

The awards night finished with a presentation commemorating the 40th anniversary of the HMS Sheffield sinking during the Falklands conflict.