Fox Design & Manufacturing

20 Oct 2007

 

£1m target in site for firm

 by David R. Jones, Daily Post

A NORTH Wales firm specialising in the design and manufacture of sheet steel products has trebled its turnover within three years of starting up.

Flint-based Fox Design & Manufacturing Services (FDMS), founded by Mike Fox in 2004, is now on course to hit £1m sales by 2010 – doubling its 10,000 sq ft factory space and creating five jobs in the process.

Drawing on specialist strategic marketing and funding advice from business support organisation Venture Wales, the company has already grown from a staff base of four and a first year turnover of £187,000 to 11 employees and a £500,000 turnover.

FDMS offers a comprehensive product design and manufacturing service, including processes such as CNC punch press work, CNC folding, welding and general fabrication, powder coating and electrical and mechanical assembly.

The company specialises in electrical control panels which are sold across the UK, and its main markets include the lift and power distribution industries.

The company has invested £300,000 in equipment and facilities

Managing director Mr Fox, 46, said: “Three years ago when we started out we never thought we’d be looking at achieving such ambitious growth targets or manufacturing sheet metal products on this scale.

“Thanks to the hard work of our team and the quality advice we received from our business adviser Terry Brownhill and Brian Colley of Venture Wales, we are now at the point where the £1m turnover mark is within reach.

“We are looking to expand into new markets. In order to continually improve the scope and range of products and services we offer we are planning to purchase the factory unit adjacent to our existing premises and invest in a clean assembly area.

“We also intend to recruit five additional engineers and staff to help us achieve our growth plans.”

Mr Colley said: “It’s no mean feat to put in place a growth strategy on the scale that FDMS has and then go out and implement it in such a short space of time.”