Shildon-based Wilsonart has seen a 20% year on year improvement since it was formed five years ago following the acquisition of the George Reynolds-owned Direct Worktops.
Increased sales, higher profitability and the recent completion of a £600,000 investment in the company’s transport fleet are all keeping confidence high according to managing director Dale Alexander.
Turnover now stands at around £25m and Mr Alexander credits this to attention to detail.
He explained: “We have made cost reductions in manufacturing and administration through simplification.”
The transport fleet has been boosted with the delivery of six new tractor units from Volvo and 20 44ft curtain-walled trailers from DonBur.
Mr Alexander said an enlarged distribution network covering the whole of the UK, well managed logisitics and a team “of some substance” has led to improved sales.
“We have a terrific product range, but it is the people who make the business work.
‘We have two facets to the business – worktops where we have taken on some additional chains – and laminates, and both are doing well.
“Wilsonart, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of US company Illinois Tool Works, came into the UK by buying from George Reynolds five years ago and has built a good foundation from nothing.”
