Flintshire-based Locit, one of the UK's fastest-growing steel locker manufacturers, has secured a £1m loan from the Development Bank of Wales to support its continued expansion. Founded in 2022 by managing director Richard Williams with backing from Arete Capital Partners LLP, the company operates from a 67,000 sq ft facility on Deeside Industrial Estate.
In just four years, Locit has grown from a standing start into one of the largest independent locker manufacturers in the UK, generating revenues of approximately £8.8m in 2025. The new funding will provide working capital to deliver large-scale contracts, invest in new equipment and automation, and support the creation of up to four new jobs while safeguarding over 60 existing roles.
High-Profile Clients and Market Reach
Locit supplies lockers to notable clients including The Gym Group, Pure Gym, Marks & Spencer, Primark, and TK Maxx. It also offers replacement parts for existing lockers, creating recurring revenue streams. The company's rental division, bolstered by the acquisition of Secure Locker Rentals in December 2023, targets the school locker market, with over 54,000 compartments installed across the UK and growing opportunities in mobile phone storage solutions for schools.
Commitment to Automation and Sustainability
Locit is certified carbon neutral and has invested heavily in modern, computerised production systems to enhance output and quality. The company's focus on automation, efficiency, and sustainability underpins its long-term growth strategy. Managing director Richard Williams brings extensive industry experience, having previously built Lion Steel into the UK's largest locker manufacturer before selling it in 2016.
Williams emphasised the importance of workforce development, stating: "We've built Locit from the ground up to be a modern, forward-looking manufacturing business, investing in automation, sustainability and, most importantly, our people. This funding gives us the platform to continue that growth. It allows us to invest in new equipment, support the delivery of major contracts and create further opportunities within the business, while safeguarding the jobs we've worked hard to build."
Chris Dhenin, senior investment executive for the Wales Flexible Investment Fund at the Development Bank of Wales, added: "Locit is a strong example of a Welsh manufacturing business achieving rapid growth by combining experienced leadership, modern production capability and a clear understanding of market demand. Richard and the team have built an impressive business in a short period of time, securing major contracts and creating high-quality employment opportunities in North Wales. Our investment will help the company continue that trajectory, supporting further growth, safeguarding jobs and strengthening its position as a key manufacturer in this sector."
