One of the largest manufacturer and suppliers of industrial fasteners, gaskets and precision machined components in the world opened the doors of a new world-class manufacturing facility in Leeds on 8 August 2007.

Lone Star LWD Precision Engineering Ltd held its opening ceremony at the Airedale Industrial Estate in Hunslet, conducted by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds and attended by businesswoman and winner of The Apprentice 2006, Michelle Dewberry.

The new facility is the latest development in the industrial manufacturer Lone Star Fasteners investment in the region. Lone Star’s acquisition of Grange Gaskets Bradford Ltd during 2006 and the further purchase of Leeds-based LWD Precision Engineering Ltd during 2007 have led to a strong business amalgamated in Leeds operating in the oil, gas, petro-chemical and chemical industries.


Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber, has been closely involved in supporting the new Leeds based operation, which is also working with the Manufacturing Advisory Service. Over the past year, Yorkshire Forward has created and safeguarded more than 27,000 new jobs, helped create and attract more than 1,100 new businesses, provided nearly 66,000 learning opportunities and attracted more than £333 million private sector finance.

Theresa Lindsay, Head of Marketing and Business Relations commented: “Attracting international companies such as Lone Star Fasteners is significantly important to increasing the regions manufacturing offer and opening up new opportunities for Yorkshire and Humber to present to the global marketplace.

We are pleased to have been involved with Lone Star’s expansion into the region from the initial stages and look forward to developing this relationship long-term."

Tony Sitek, Managing Director of Lone Star Precision Engineering Ltd. commented: “This is an exciting progression to our operations in Yorkshire, a new facility in which to consolidate Grange Gaskets Ltd and Precision Engineering Ltd facilities into a single operation with room for expansion.

"We fully expect to grow the business substantially over the next few years and increase our staff numbers - a positive development not only for Lone Star but also the region’s manufacturing.”

(LC)