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Fuel testing firm Guardian Marine Testing (GMT) has revealed that it is planning to take on more staff and equipment as part of its growth strategy.

The UK-based company has increased its client base in recent months and is currently working at full capacity.

Managing director Andrew Shaw is quoted as saying: "We need to expand in terms of capital equipment and number of staff to enable us to take on more new business when it comes along. We want to be ready to handle it."

The growth of GMT was triggered by the announcement of a strategic agreement with Lloyds Register EMEA (LR) and FOBAS in August 2011. As part of the deal, LR took a non-controlling stake in GMT and the fuel testing firm provides the fuel analysis service for LR's many clients involved in the purchasing or use of marine fuels.

During the last three months of 2011, GMT opened three more labs at the Wilton Centre, between Redcar and Middlesbrough, and recruited 20 staff in addition to the existing 12. That number has since inceased to 40.

"Last year was one of strong consolidation in terms of systems and staff," said Shaw.

"Lloyds provided lots of new business and we had to hit the ground running and be flexible to learn anything new that LR wanted as we went on, but we are now at the stage of driving that contract and asking what they want us to do next.

"We are totally set up now to cope with the demands of our customer base. Being based at The Wilton Centre means we can do this as and when we need to and without moving to a new site."