Weidmann Whiteley, a paper manufacturer based in Pool-in-Wharfedale, has been awarded a £2.5m contract to supply the North American market.

Supported by Leeds City Council and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Service, the company recently made a £275,000 investment in upgrading the machinery used to manufacture high quality industrial papers and board. The investment has already resulted in the creation of four new jobs plus the recruitment of an engineering apprentice through Leeds City College.

Weidmann Whiteley, part of the Swiss-owned Wicor group, is one of only a few British paper mills able to produce specialised paper board used in industrial applications including as insulation in high power electrical transformers.

John Briggs, managing director, said: “The North America contract is great news for the business which is on target for £18m turnover this year. Longer term, we will be aiming to develop sales in the high value and higher margin abrasives market where there is strong demand from automotive manufacturers, particularly in Germany.”

With a 121-strong workforce, Weidmann Whiteley is now planning to recruit a new paper-making apprenticeship.

“The support from Leeds City Council and the LEP has been tremendous. As a major employer in the local area, the grant support has enabled us to move ahead at pace, creating new opportunities for the business and additional jobs for local people.”

Roger Marsh OBE, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “It is great to see businesses like Weidmann Whiteley benefitting from the wealth of support on offer through the LEP Growth Service.

“This support for growing companies is at the heart of the LEP’s ambitions to create a thriving Leeds City Region and a comprehensive package of support is available to help them achieve their growth potential.”