Sonic set to clean up after funding boost

A Yorkshire-based industrial cleaning firm is scaling up following funding to support a major relocation and capacity expansion.

Sonic Solutions has secured £250,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. 

Bosses say the funding will support the company’s move to new premises in Huddersfield and enable investment in additional equipment to meet rising demand.

They add that the relocation from its original base in Dewsbury to an 8800sq ft facility, which is almost three times the size of its previous site, will enable Sonic to increase throughput, improve efficiency and take on a wider range of projects as its customer base continues to grow.

Andrew Taylor, founder and managing director, said: “Filters are used in many industries but can cost up to £1500 each and require regular cleaning, which companies may struggle to do themselves. 

“Professional cleaning cuts running costs by extending filter life and reducing downtime, with one client saving £75,000 a year. 

“As companies focus on achieving efficiencies in the current climate, we are seeing increased interest in our services. 

“This investment will help us boost capacity to keep up with the demand.”

Founded in 2004, Sonic Solutions provides specialist cleaning services for industrial filters and heat exchangers, using processes including ultrasonic cleaning, chemical treatment, thermal stripping and vapour blasting. 

The company serves clients across sectors such as energy, manufacturing and aerospace, working with organisations including BP, British Sugar, British Gas and Airbus.

Having doubled its turnover over the past three years, Sonic has also expanded into new markets, particularly plastics recycling and defence. 

The company currently employs nine people and expects to create up to six new roles over the next three years as a result of the relocation and investment.

David Wright, of Mercia Debt, added: “Andrew has built a thriving business that is now a market leader in plastics recycling and some other industry sectors. 

“After a period of rapid expansion, the company had outgrown its previous site. 

“We are pleased to support the relocation which will improve efficiency and provide space for further growth.”

The £660 million NPIF II fund, which is operated by the British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help a range of small and medium sized businesses, driving innovation and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, scale, and thrive.

Lizzy Upton, senior manager at the British Business Bank, added: “Supporting ambitious businesses to invest, grow and create jobs across the North of England is a core aim of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. 

“Sonic Solutions is a great example of a Yorkshire-based company responding to growing demand by expanding its premises and boosting capacity. 

“Access to the right finance at the right time is critical for businesses like this, and NPIF II is designed to help them scale sustainably and realise their growth ambitions.”

Rachael Thurlbeck, SME growth manager at Kirklees Council, provided fundraising advice to Sonic.

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