A DORCHESTER firm pioneering the use of robot technology in manufacturing has moved into new industrial premises.

Loop Technology Ltd works with a range of companies from small and medium-sized enterprises to global operations, helping automate manufacturing processes through robot technology and machine vision systems.

It was founded by engineer Alun Reece in 1998 with the specific goal of supporting manufacturing in Britain through advances in technology.

Initially, he based the business at home but he has now completed a move to Dorchester's Marabout Industrial Estate.

He said: "In order to raise the capital needed to begin developing expensive technology such as robotics, I spent the first few years in business focusing on software development.

"This past year has been devoted to moving the business forward and branching into more advanced technologies such as robotics."

The move comes as Loop Technology Ltd celebrates 80 per cent year-on-year growth.

Mr Reece contacted Business Link for advice on taking his business forward.

He was allocated a customer relationship manager called Beryl Griffiths.

Mr Reece said: "Although confident in the technology services I had to offer, I knew very little about business development.

"Beryl conducted a complete review of the business which looked at how it was currently performing and helped focus my mind on long-term business goals.

"I found this incredibly valuable for long-term planning.

"When you are busy running your business you don't have the time to sit back and take stock of what needs to be done to get you to where you want to be.

"For me Business Link has been a great source of answers.

"Trying to push my business forward in the last year has thrown up all sorts of questions, such as how do I find suitable premises?

"How do I protect my intellectual property?

"And what legislation do I need to be aware of?

"Business Link has been able to point me in the right direction every time."

Ms Griffiths added: "The business review process helped me identify what Alun needed to do to achieve a better route to market.

"As a result of this the company is now developing a new website which will hopefully generate more hits and ultimately more customers.

"It has been extremely rewarding working with Alun, particularly where he is so keen to support British manufacturing through what he does.

"Although the technology he works with is very complex, his clients have included small businesses such as a local printing firm."