A Cornish-based steel reinforcement supplier is hitting the expansion trail as it bids to become a national player and prepares for a "huge" boost for the industry from the 2012 London Olympics.

Devoran Metals Ltd has just installed a £100,000 prototype automated cutting machine that will dramatically increase capacity.

With a B2 certificate of lawfulness now received from Carrick District Council, the company will spend a further £250,000 later this year on doubling the size of its main shed and installing more new machinery.

A new access road is currently being built and the company expects to add to its 11-strong staff as the next round of investment comes on stream. It is already planning to introduce a twin-shift work system this summer for the first time.

Managing director Richard Orsman commented: "We are preparing now not only to upgrade from regional to nationwide but also for what I am convinced will be a huge spin-off opportunity from construction of all the facilities for the London Olympics.

"The Olympics will be an enormous project that will effectively take out two of the country's biggest reinforced steel suppliers. This will release huge volumes of business for take-up by the rest. We are determined to take all necessary steps now to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity."

Devoran Metals has already demonstrated its ability to supply further afield by expanding out of its traditional Devon and Cornwall territory and into Somerset and the Isle of Man, for the new Jurby Prison, during the past year.

Now the nationwide push is being strengthened with an enhanced marketing campaign, including revamped website and new brochures.

The company's newly installed "Cutmaster" shear line automated cutting machine - from Danish manufacturer Stema Pedax - can cut through 20 16mm bars at once, compared with just six previously.

"The net result is an operation that is up to ten times faster and more efficient," said Mr Orsman.

Devoran Metals is Cornwall's largest steel reinforcement supplier. It has become established as a limited company in its own right after many years as a division of Devoran Joinery Ltd, which was acquired a year ago by Clearwood UK, part of the Redruth-based Rowe Group.

That acquisition brought to an end some 40 years of family-run joinery work at the Fal riverside setting.

Owners Richard and Tracey Orsman immediately embarked on an expansion programme of their own for the metals operation, which was already accounting for some 65 per cent of total turnover.