Dutch manufacturer opens UK HQ in Yorkshire

Van Os Medical employs 12 people at its new HQ on the Escrick Business Park, near Selby, and plans to grow its UK operation by up to 40 per cent this year.

The family-run firm manufactures rehabilitation equipment at its factory in China and has distribution and marketing operations in Holland, Belgium, France and Taiwan. It sells via distributors across the rest of Europe.

Until 2007, Van Os supplied the UK market through third party distributors before setting up its own logistics and distribution operation in temporary accommodation in Selby.

The decision to buy premises at Escrick underlines the company's commitment to the UK market, which managing director Ren Van Os estimates is growing at between 4 to 5 per cent a year.

He added: "We have a wide product range primarily designed for the elderly and those with mobility issues.

"We supply on contract to the NHS and supply hire chairs to Tesco stores. We sell direct to major retailers and via a network of independent mobility retailers across the UK and Ireland.

"With a business which sells on service and quality, having the right presence in the UK is vital."