CHERRY picker manufacturer Tanfield is continuing its recovery with a 25% jump in sales and a threefold rise in orders which has left the firm struggling to meet demand.

The Washington-based business, which produces Snorkel-branded aerial lifts for the global market, said its order book surged by 170% in the first half of the year. It stood at £20.9m at the end of June, compared to £7.7m at the end of last year.

Tanfield’s turnover increased to £24.6m from £19.6m in the six months to the end of June and the company reduced its operating losses to £7m from £7.7m showing a bounceback after years of decline which led the firm to sell its electric vehicles division at the start of this year.

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.”