Wadkin Ultracare Ltd has reported a “positive” start to the year with orders 20% up on the same period last year.

The Leicester-based company has said its manufacturing and service divisions are experiencing strong demand on the back of continued growth during 2002.

It has noted more interest being paid to quality standards in toolroom equipment and preventative maintenance of machinery. Orders for grinders are currently running at three times the level of the same period last year.