A TECHNOLOGY firm aims to “get some boots on the ground” in North America – just weeks after telling The Northern Echo it was plotting such a move.

Stadium Group says its plans will lever the company’s international repute by providing a gateway to the “largest market on the planet” for the type of apparatus it supplies.

Bosses at the company, based in Hartlepool, revealed their vision as an operational transformation helped deliver a record £25.8m order book.

According to its results for the year to December 31, released yesterday, statutory pre-tax profits were 29 per cent better off at £2.2m and net debt was trimmed to £3.3m as revenues remained stable at £53.1m.

The business has benefited from a conversion from a solely electronic manufacturing services firm to a design-led company, with its higher-margin technology products division now contributing 60 per cent of group sales.

Mr Peppiatt said such progress has given the company, which has made its Hartlepool base a European manufacturing centre of excellence, sufficient confidence to extend its reach in North America.

He told the Echo: “We have some business in North America and have a number of existing customers in Europe and Asia who are saying, ‘come on guys we need something in North America’.

“We have a strong growth plan for the region.

“It’s about getting some boots on the ground and getting some really competent people in to support our work.”

Talking to the Echo last month, Mr Peppiatt confirmed North America was on his radar as he seeks to build the operator’s global status.

He said: “We are very proud to be a British plc but we are looking to further expand into other areas, such as North America.”

However, speaking yesterday, Mr Peppiatt also revealed the company’s progress could be helped by takeovers.

Stadium previously announced a £750,000 deal for Cable Power Limited, which was bought to add value to an existing power division and complement a 2015 deal for power supply unit and transformer maker Stontronics.

Mr Peppiatt added: “There is an opportunity to acquire further businesses to strengthen our market position.

“We remain committed to acquiring companies that bring clear value and continue to seek potential targets that increase our exposure to high-growth markets, increase our global reach and complement our existing technologies.”

Stadium, originally founded as a motorcycle helmet company, is now responsible for designing and making vehicle control panels, wireless devices and electronic displays, with its catalogue including vehicle fleet tracking and black box systems for insurers to assess drivers’ safety.

However, Mr Peppiatt said the company, which has spent about £2m on its North-East plant in the last two years, would not be resting on its laurels.

He added: “We have put some new kit in and the site has been upgraded.

“We have also made some progress on the talent we have brought in and have strong leadership.”

“We are confident about the outlook for 2017 and beyond.”