DT&G Engineering, a Merseyside chocolate machine maker has received a six figure funding boost to support further new contract wins and boost growth across Europe.
The investment comes from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). It is helping meet increased demand for DT&G Engineering’s chocolate coating equipment after a significant increase in sales across Europe. The funding is helping the delivery of a major new contract win and also providing required working capital to support projects across the USA, Poland and Turkey.
DTG Finn is the brand of DT&G Engineering and is recognised globally for its manufacturing of chocolate coating and polishing machines, along with turnkey solutions. This marks FW Capital’s fourth round of funding for DT&G Engineering, following previous investments in 2015, 2018 and 2024.
Formed in 1962 in a small workshop in Birkenhead, the Wirral manufacturer is responsible for the coating on many products made by international chocolate producers. All manufacturing takes places here in the UK. DT&G Engineering exports its chocolate equipment across the world. The firm also places a strong emphasis on local employment and one of their apprentices Adrian Mois was recently highly commended in the North West Insider Apprentice of the Year award category.
Lyn Pitt, Managing Director at DT&G Engineering said: “Our sales in Europe are growing at pace and the number of machines being ordered is rising significantly. To meet this demand, we needed working capital to help us to fulfil these contracts with confidence. We remain proud that our machines are manufactured on the Wirral and our reputation for excellence has grown as a seen with the rise in sales orders that we’re experiencing. Working with Lewis McMullin and the team at FW Capital is fantastic. We’ve had a long and trusted relationship and this means a lot to me. I feel they are on my side and are more than just a lender. Their investment has been vitally important and is also helping us to secure and create new jobs, adding value to the local economy.”
Lewis McMullin, Portfolio Executive Assistant at FW Capital said: “It's been a pleasure to work with Lyn and the team at DT&G Engineering and to continue to support their growth plans as they go from strength to strength. This latest phase of growth broadens their footprint across Europe and demonstrates their ongoing success. The NPIF II funding is all about helping thriving business to scale up and DT&G Engineering is a brilliant example of this.”
Sue Barnard, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank added: “It’s fantastic to see DT&G go from strength to strength and to have supported the business with successive loans along the way. Through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, we’re helping Northern businesses grow internationally while retaining jobs in the UK and keeping strong roots in their local communities. DT&G has already established a globally recognised brand, and this latest funding will help the business build on that success, showing how Northern businesses can compete on the world stage.”
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.
