ANYONE who has braved The Big One roller-coaster in Blackpool knows the fear of being catapulted into eternity.

Don't worry, it’s not likely to happen thanks to Skelmerdale’s Mechan Controls’ safety switches. The firm specialises in non-contact switches that ensure fairground rides and conveyor belts come to a halt if a problem arises.

There are divergent views on whether firms skimp on health and safety during a recession but Mechan believes the world’s industry is so tightly regulated by legislation that spending will continue to grow.

And the company can point to a surge in turnover and profits during the past year, albeit aided by a significant acquisition.

Last year the business acquired Nirvana Engineering of Stafford in a move which helped lift turnover from £775,000 to £2.26m.

Profits before tax were up to £259,000 from £97,000.

Chairman Wilf Boardman said: “We are still expanding organically and geographically. Further acquisitions currently being sought would represent another quantum leap in earnings.

“With or without acquisitions, we expect to achieve double digit earnings growth this year.”

Mechan produced its first electronic safety switch in 1972. It has come a long way since then and has developed a reputation as the industry leader.

Its range of products include magnetic safety switches, coded magnetic safety switches, standalone electronic safety switches and uniquely coded electronic safety switch systems with up to 500,000 codes, all of which are developed and manufactured in the UK.

The company’s market is global and includes the USA, the Balkans and Japan.

The bulk of turnover, £1.6m, is still from UK operations although the company is pursuing its goal of pushing into new markets around the world.

It has 33 employees and a wage bill of £720.

BARRY TURNBULL