Kaye unlocks export market to China

The Leeds-based firm, which manufactures specialist locks for the rail, architectural and high security industries, plans to take advantage of opportunities in China's Northern Territories rail industry, which is rapidly expanding.

Train and aeroplane manufacturer Bombardier approached Pickersgill Kaye to make special train door locks capable of withstanding the hostile climate of the Northern Territories after the company produced a similar lock for trains transporting iron ore around Sweden.

Manufacturing manager Simon Barnes said: "We entered the Chinese market by accident but now we see huge growth potential. We currently export five per cent of what we manufacture to China but we are hoping to grow that."

He added: "We might be able to offer more products for the trains that go into the Northern Territories.

"It's something we're currently looking into."

The company, which dates back to 1855, also exports aircraft fuel couplings to China through engineering group Meggitt, which specialises in extreme environment components for aerospace, defence and energy markets.

Exporting products from Leeds to China is not the direction of trade most people think of when it comes to manufacturing.

"The main challenge is getting your products into the market at a cost effective price," said Mr Barnes. "We sent an existing product out there, which was fine, but it will be a hurdle for new sales.

"You can get things made under licence in China so that might be an option for us in the future."

He added: "We will use the contacts we have made to see who is building trains out in China and where the opportunities are for us.

"There could also be opportunities to export some of our other products like emergency hammer boxes and body side indicators, which indicate when all the train doors are locked."

One particular learning curve for the company involves the cultural differences between UK and China. "Some customers are quite demanding in terms of wanting to change things and wanting us to be more flexible," said Mr Barnes. "They expect a lot."

The company recently hosted a Chinese delegation and took them on a tour of its manufacturing facility.

Mr Barnes said: "They were interested in the different processes we have and were impressed with our furnace."

Pickersgill Kaye, which produces thousands of individual products, exports 50 per cent of its output to countries including South Korea, Malaysia, the US and Canada.

It has a 3m turnover and employs 53 staff at its base in Hunslet, Leeds.

But, like other traditional manufacturers it has suffered during the downturn, losing a third of its output and a third of its workforce over the last year.

However, it continues to innovate and create new products. Its latest ventures include huge 18kg locks for police custodial suites, gate locks for use in industries such as oil refineries where security is paramount, and high-security multi-point locks capable of withstanding explosions at buildings such as embassies. Mr Barnes said: "Fifty per cent of our sales are products that have been developed in the last five years."

But the pain may not be over as public sector cuts could also have an impact on the company.

Mr Barnes said: "I am worried about the cutbacks. During the recession there was no cut back in public spending but if train operating companies lose their confidence we will be hit.

"Our aim is to provide a top quality product that lasts so our prices tend to be higher. Hopefully, we have got our fingers in enough pies to spread the risk but you can never tell."

From oil cans to special locks

Pickersgill Kaye began as an oil can manufacturer in 1855 under the name of Joseph Kaye & Sons.

In the latter part of the 19th and into the 20th century the company, which was based in Horsforth, Leeds, diversified into the specialised design and manufacture of Kaye's patent door locks for the architectural and rail industries throughout the UK.

In 1970, local tooling designers and manufacturers Harry and David Pickersgill bought the Joseph Kaye assets and incorporated the new company as Pickersgill-Kaye.

The company moved to its current premises on Pepper Road in Hunslet in 1980.