Tough tyre laws mean business for Barnsley

Barnsley-based Bartec Auto ID is helping to ensure that millions of US motorists aren't driving vehicles with faulty tyres.

As a result, fewer accidents are predicted and drivers will save money because their car will use fuel more efficiently.

Tough legislation is also expected to be introduced in the EU and China to clampdown on faulty tyres, which could lead to a bumper order book for Bartec.

Bartec is a major player in the North American automotive market, where it supplies tools for tyre-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

Colin Webb, the company's managing director, said growth was being driven by legislation linked to the car industry. There was potential for the group's turnover to double from 6m to around 12m over the next couple of years, he added. The new orders are also expected to create jobs.

Bartec currently employs 32 people in Barnsley, with 10 in Coventry and 10 at its operation in Sterling Heights, near Detroit, in the US.

The company operates in the fast-growing automotive and waste management technology sectors.

In North America, Bartec supplies TPMS to major tyre shops, car dealers and car rental companies.

The tools are designed to test tyre pressure sensors. Bartec has been able to ride out the collapse in the automotive industry because of the US Tread Act, which, since September 2007, has required all passenger-carrying cars in North America to have TPMS installed.

Bartec is responsible for 90 per cent of all TPMS tools sold into North America. The company ships around 2,000 tools per month from its UK operation.

The EU and China have also announced plans to introduce similar legislation from 2012, providing further opportunities for Bartec, which is already market leader in Europe for the installation of TPMS test systems in car plants. Clients include Ford, GM, Chrysler, Hyundai, Volvo, and Nissan.

Bartec is well placed in its other key market, the waste sector, which is developing strongly due to EU Landfill and Recycling legislation.

Bartec Systems is the UK market leader in waste management and data collection systems. It works with 25 councils to help them clear rubbish more efficiently.

The firm's Waste Collector system includes a small electronic device which is used by bin wagon drivers to store details about properties. For example, the device can highlight properties where the occupier might need help because they are elderly or disabled.

It also tackles the common problem of binmen missing out houses or businesses on their round, due to human error or because the road is blocked.

The company expects the number of councils using Waste Collector to grow to more than 100 within the next two years, mainly due to environmental legislation.

Mr Webb said: "We are waiting to see what effect the Government cuts will have on the waste management business. It's a business that saves councils' money. That could encourage the sale of the product.

"We look at the newspapers and we can see economic factors over which none of us have any great control."

However, he said the company planned to take pre-emptive action by investing in innovation.

Bartec Auto ID

Barnsley-based Bartec Auto ID has grown to become a major player in the US automotive sector.

It has joined forces with major US "aftermarket" tool distributors to achieve a dominant market position in tyre-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

The company has recently formed an alliance with US company Schrader to produce a universal TPMS system to replace the 147 variants available in the US. In Europe, the company works with most of the leading car brands.

Bartec Systems, a division of Bartec Auto ID, is expanding its range of waste management and data collection services through partnership.

It has recently joined forces with Bradford-based Vishay

PM Onboard to link their weighing systems to refuse vehicles.