A Midlands company has proved that it’s not only its products that are flexible by scoring an export success.
Artel Rubber, based in Bidford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, is one of the UK’s leading silicone hose manufacturers supplying the automotive, motorsport, rail, truck and bus industries.
The firm, which employs 37 people, embarked on an export drive two years ago and now sends 40 per cent of its production overseas.
Most are bound for mainland Europe – but the company has also achieved the feat of producing parts which are exported to China.
The export drive has been helped by accountants and advisors Harrison Beale & Owen and the UKTI team based at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Artel director Simon Lavin said the level of exports was set to grow again in the next 12 months.
“We wanted to explore new markets both in terms of territories and sectors, so that has been a very strategic drive to grow the business,” he said.
“We are specialised but are renowned for quality, and that still counts for a great deal in manufacturing.
“The products we export to China are needed because, quite simply, they cannot reach our level of quality.
“That does really give us the edge, and means that our products are in demand. That and customer service are the key to the success – we can move from prototyping to production very quickly.
“While we supply a whole host of firms in various countries, we have seen real growth in mainland Europe – France, Sweden and Belgium – and particularly in the rail sector. In the UK market we supply major and niche car makers and several F1 teams.
“We have also designed and manufactured a new range of hoses for the renewable energy sector and that is also performing well in terms of sales.”
Harrison Beale & Owen has advised Artel Rubber for 13 years and recently helped Simon Lavin buy into the firm as a shareholder and director.
Phil Ewing, of HB&O, said: “Artel have a great reputation for producing the highest quality products, but this focus on export has spread that reputation wider than ever before and it is certainly paying off.
“It does prove that if you produce the right product and really explore every avenue, you can be successful. People may not associate Bidford with the heartland of manufacturing, but Artel’s reputation really is international.”
Artel’s export drive was supported by UKTI which helped in the investigation of new markets.
International trade adviser Mick Page, said: “This is a really good example of a company looking at export as a key and long term constituent of the business, and planning that export drive very strategically.
“Our area is full of companies with export potential – both in services and manufacturing – and Artel are an example of the success it can bring.”