Midlands-based materials handling manufacturer wins export gong. Record-breaking export performances at Alwayse Engineering are to be recognised by the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Overseas sales of its ball transfer units – used in material handling systems – have grown by 106% during the past five years, equating to over £12 million pounds of business. The family owned business is headed by Leon Pinnick, Chairman who has been involved with the business for over 50 years.
Alwayse invented the ball transfer unit in 1939, but the turning point came nine years ago, when it introduced a special unit for use in air cargo terminals. They are now used in airports all over the world, including China and India, with sales approaching the two million mark. These special units have had to compete with South East Asian manufactured competitors, and have won many orders in this region.
Managing director of Alwayse Engineering, Graham Golby, said: “We’re delighted to win the award, and for the second time, having previously won it in 1997.
“There’s no real secret to making export sales work other than hard work, but once we appoint an overseas distributor, we offer them our maximum support. We offer lots of technical help on our products, and also some financial assistance, with help to create advertisements, brochures and even exhibition stands. We have established some excellent distributors over many years, and this year we hope to establish sales in Romania, Eygpt, Vietnam and Slovenia. Currently the company exports 70% of its production to over 60 countries worldwide.”
Its export success will be recognised within the International Trade category of the Award. An official ceremony on Tuesday, 22 April at The Gladstone Library, London, will take place, where The Duke of Gloucester will make a formal presentation.
The business continues to grow, and moved into a brand-new £3 million pound, 35,000sq. ft factory in Miller Street, Birmingham in March, 2006. In addition to its mainstream UK and overseas sales, Alwayse have occasionally answered more unusual requests. It provided part of the solution to the infamous ‘wobbly’ Millennium Bridge, and has also supplied special units to the US Air Force in Alaska, capable of withstanding extreme cold conditions.
Alwayse Engineering Limited
Tel: 0121 380 4700
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