Karas Plating

“The investment from FW Capital has been instrumental in assisting our growth ambitions and enabled us to expand our capabilities with the addition of the automated silver-plating line.”

Alan Pennington, Managing Director, Karas Plating

Karas Plating were able to plan for future growth alongside creating six new jobs after receiving a six-figure investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment.

The Leigh-based company has over 70 years of experience providing high quality electroplating, surface coating, and metal finishing processes to clients across the UK. With a well-earned reputation for reliability and customised solutions, they have clients in key sectors, including the automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The loan from NPIF-FW Capital enabled the purchase and commissioning of a bespoke, automated silver-plating line which will improve efficiencies, helping the company to support the expanding Busbar market and underpinning their growth aspirations.

A busbar is a metallic strip or bar that acts as a medium to distribute power in a system. It is an essential component used in all manner of applications from electric vehicles to power generation and distribution. The Busbar market size was valued at over USD 19.2 Billion in 2022 and is set to grow at a rate of over 5.1% by 2032 (Source: GM Insights).

The first NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.