Everbuild prepares for new product launches

MANUFACTURER Everbuild is to make a multi-million pound investment in its manufacturing capacity as it gears up for a number of new product launches this year.

The Leeds-based company is the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of sealants, adhesives and building chemicals for the construction industry and DIY market.

The company, which calls itself “The No. 1 Builders’ Brand”, said sales rose 17 per cent to £54m in the year to February 28. It has a sales target of £60m for 2011.

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Further expansion is planned with a target of a minimum of four new product launches this year.

While the construction downturn in 2008 hit the company’s sales, Everbuild has since recovered helped by the weaker pound and a strong export market.

The group currently exports seven per cent of its sales to 60 overseas destinations.

It has over 5,000 UK customers, offering a one-stop shop for builders merchants and DIY stores.

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In the UK, the construction market accounts for 70 per cent of sales while DIY, which has been expanding at a faster rate than construction during the downturn, accounts for 30 per cent

The group has worked closely with the Manufacturing Advisory Service and consultants such as Leeds-based WYG to improve production efficiency.

WYG has helped it to cut £30,000 from its annual energy bill.

Everbuild’s managing director David Seymour said: “Efficient production must be maximised to ensure continued growth, particularly in the face of punitive increases in the cost of raw materials we’re currently experiencing.

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“We’re displacing foreign competition with outstanding British-made products.”

Paul Stephens, Leeds City Council chief economic development officer, said: “The success of Everbuild shows that it’s possible for British manufacturing to compete in a fiercely competitive global economy and create employment, rather than sending jobs overseas.

“Continued investment and product innovation are vital for manufacturers in building and sustaining competitive advantage.”

Mr Seymour and two colleagues started the company in Dewsbury with one mixing machine in 1994.

In 2003 Everbuild moved to its 250,000 sq ft headquarters on the Cross Green Industrial Estate in Leeds where it has over 250 employees.

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