Optimistic outlook

UK manufacturing businesses have a
strong future, according to Midlands
MEP, Malcolm Harbour, but, he says,
the industry needs more practical
measures to safeguard the sector.

During a site visit to
Birmingham-based, Evac+Chair,
manufacturerof hi-tech evacuation
chair systems for export Harbour
suggested: “We need more practical
initiatives to support manufacturing
companies. For instance, to help
small business access new markets by
facilitating trade missions and by
helping to prepare companies to
meet the demands of export.”
Harbour’s visit coincided with
news that Evac+Chair has acquired
the assets and staff of a Telford-based
company which produces straps,
harnesses and load restraints.

Mark Wallace, managing director
of Evac+Chair, said: “The acquisition
will mean that every element of our
products will be produced in-house,
helping us to ensure the highest
standard of quality control.”
High levels of quality and
innovation have helped Evac+Chair
along with it sister company ParAid,
see a combined growth in exports of
20 per cent in the last two years.