A FIRM that has manufacturers fasteners for car makers has shown it knows the nuts and bolts of its business by more than doubling its turnover.

Barton Cold-Form, in Droitwich has seen its turnover rocket in the past four years, from £3.5m in 2000 to £7.1m today.

It has increased its staff levels by 10 per cent in the past year, to 110 employees, and has also expanded its floor space by more than 50 per cent by renting an additional raw materials warehouse.

Now the firm, which supplies components to the car industry, is up for an award for Sustainable Performance in the Accelerate Awards, which promotes best practice in the field.

Barton Cold-Form managing director Paul Denning said the Kidderminster Road firm - which was a finalist in last year's awards - had spent £3m on new equipment over the past three years.

"If you don't change in today's market you're finished," he said.

"You've got to move with the market and move with the customers. Whatever your customers want, give them what they ask for and something else as well. Give them more than they expect."

Barton Cold-Form joins three other Worcestershire automotive suppliers in the awards - LGG Charlesworth, in Malvern, and Fowkes & Danks and Ryeford Engineering, both in Redditch - and will do battle with some of the UK's top suppliers.

Nominations for the awards have been received from some of the sector's leading lights, including Morgan, in Malvern, and Jaguar.