A Midland manufacturer of 4x4 vehicle accessories achieved an 11 per cent increase in turnover to £7 million last year.

Auto Styling Truckman, which manufactures hard top units for pick-up trucks and sells a range of accessories to trade and retail customers, said its sales were been boosted by a rise in commercial vehicle sales, which according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, are up 8.1 per cent so far this year.

The company has also completed a £375,000 investment in facilities close to its Brierley Hill base, which has allowed it to grow its workforce by 30 per cent.

The business employs 39 staff and aims to increase its headcount to 50 by the end of the next financial year.

Mike Wheeler, managing director of Auto Styling Truckman, said: “We are definitely seeing the benefit of an upturn in the economy. The increase in commercial vehicle sales, which includes pick-up trucks, is an indicator of economic growth.

“Our pick-up truck hard tops are used in industries associated with developing the country’s infrastructure such as construction. These sectors are experiencing increased activity, which is leading to them investing in their operations including their vehicle fleets.

“Even during the height of the recession we experienced respectable levels of growth, but I am confident that, as the economy has turned, we can build further on our success.

“The investment we have made in our facilities and workforce provides us with the perfect platform to go on to greater success.”