CHERRY picker manufacturer Tanfield's order book has surged by 170% as the market recovers after the recession but its supply chain is struggling to keep up with demand.

The Washington business, which has sold off the majority of its electric vehicle interests to it US associate company Smith Electric Vehicles US (Sevus), said turnover increased to £24.6m from £19.6m in the six months to the end of June.

It reduced its operating losses to £7m from £7.7m and said its order book jumped from £7.7m at the end of December to £20.9m at the end of June.

Chief executive Darren Kell said: “Global demand for aerial work platforms is returning, driven by major fleet operators replacing ageing equipment.

“However, this has created bottlenecks as the supply chain struggles to restore the capacity it lost during the protracted downturn.

"Our order book rose 170% over the first half of the year and has improved further since the half year end. We are working hard to resolve the supply chain issues so that we can bring orders through to sales at a faster rate and take the business back to profitability.”

Tanfield, which makes the Snorkel branded aerial lifts - or cherry pickers - said the jump in orders was being driven by customers replacing ageing equipment.

It expects a similar pattern of trading in the second half and said it was working to resolve the supply chain issues that have held back growth.