The idea is to boost customer and technical service, a key strategy at the company, said UK managing director Alex Brown.

"We are the second largest supplier in the UK and the third in Europe, and we have been growing at 10% year-on-year. To do that you have to be close to your customers," he said.

"We will be 2-3% up on last year, but we are certainly not going backwards. To do that in this economy you have to do what you do better than ever and customer service is pivotal."

NorDan, which has two offices in Scotland and offices in the south-east and south-west of England, has added a general manager, regional manager key account manager in Leeds.