FPT Manufacturing – The Power of a Growing SME
In a climate where many UK manufacturers are playing it safe, FPT Manufacturing is quietly pushing ahead—growing fast, investing smart, and proving that small businesses can think big without losing their edge.
Part of the Link Business Group, FPT is one of three standalone companies working in harmony under a single vision: Link Business (machining), FPT Manufacturing (fabrication), and FPT Special Products (finished goods for the aftermarket sector). Each company has its own accounts, order books, and focus—but together, they create something much greater than the sum of their parts.
At the helm of FPT Manufacturing is Adam Yates, a second-generation leader who joined the family business nearly a decade after it was founded by his father in 2006. Now Managing Director, Adam is steering the company through one of its most exciting chapters yet.
Making It Big by Staying Focused
“We’ve always had a ‘make it big by keeping it small’ mindset,” says Adam. “FPT might not be a huge manufacturer—but we know our space, and we’re scaling in the right way.”
That mindset is powering real momentum. From a five-person team, FPT has grown into a £3 million operation with ambitions to hit £5 million turnover within the next two years. As part of that vision, the business is preparing to move to a new, significantly larger site just five minutes from its current Cannock base.
“This move is about creating room to grow—not because we’re constrained, but because we’re ready,” Adam explains. “It’s an opportunity to design our facility around the future: more space, better layout, more efficiency. It’s a positive step that sets the scene for what comes next.”
The new facility will allow the business to modernise operations, streamline production, and create an environment that matches the ambition and professionalism of the team.
The SME Spirit: Agile, Resourceful, Resilient
FPT is a textbook example of what makes SMEs so vital to the UK economy. The team is lean, resourceful, and unafraid to take calculated risks. Whether it’s sourcing high-spec equipment second-hand or carefully planning investment timelines, every decision is about balancing growth with sustainability.
Recent moves include the acquisition of a five-axis machining centre, a second sliding head machine to support high-volume production, and a continued shift toward in-house manufacturing capabilities. Digital upgrades are also in motion, with MRP and CAM systems under review, and SolidWorks already streamlining CAD design and development workflows.
“We’re investing bit by bit—on our terms,” Adam says. “We’re always looking for ways to strengthen what we can do under our own roof.”
But his vision also extends beyond operations. “Eventually, I’d love for us to develop and sell our own product. Right now, we’re a great supplier. But I think we’ve got the mindset, creativity, and energy to take that next step.”
Growing Pains and Turning Points
Like many SMEs, FPT has had to adapt to changing economic pressures and fluctuating customer demand. Rather than retrench, the team responded with resilience—diversifying into new sectors and embracing opportunities in prototyping and development.
“We’ve historically done a lot in healthcare,” Adam explains. “But now we’re growing into automotive, agriculture, and bathroom accessories too. It’s about not having all our eggs in one basket.”
This broader customer base has also brought more collaboration. “If a customer brings us an idea, we get stuck in. We’ve never shied away from a challenge,” Adam says. Partnerships with organisations like Jaguar Land Rover show how prototyping work can evolve into long-term relationships built on trust and results.
Inspired, Grounded, and Ready for More
Adam Yates leads with a long-term view—grounded in the business’s values, but inspired by what’s possible. One company that’s influenced him is Uplifts, a fifth-generation offshoot from Stannah Lifts that turned a smart idea into a national brand with its own dedicated site.
“They started just like us—in a small unit, with a big idea,” Adam reflects. “Watching how they built something new, with the right people and purpose, really hits home. It shows what’s achievable when you stay focused on quality and believe in your growth.”
That belief runs through FPT’s approach. From steady investments to bold moves like their upcoming site relocation, every decision is designed to ensure the business continues to evolve—without ever losing sight of where it came from.
“We’re not here to stand still,” says Adam. “The market might be cautious, but we’re focused, we’re busy, and we know there’s more we can achieve.”
During a recent visit to the Cannock site, Ilona Pitt of Made in Group saw firsthand the energy, ambition, and investment driving FPT Manufacturing’s next phase of growth and remarked: "Visiting FPT Manufacturing was a brilliant reminder of what makes British SMEs so special. Adam and the team are combining hands-on engineering with forward-thinking ambition—and it’s working. The energy, the investment, the vision for growth… it’s a business that’s truly on the rise."
FPT Manufacturing is proving that the best of British industry doesn’t always come from the biggest players. Sometimes, it comes from SMEs who are bold enough to invest, smart enough to adapt, and committed enough to build something that lasts.
