Vulcan flying on back of export success

STAFFORDSHIRE manufacturer Vulcan Refractories is to further develop its site at Cheadle as part of a significant expansion programme.

Vulcan, which manufactures refractories and infra-red heating systems, was established in 1969 and employs 35 people. It is already exporting to more than 30 countries and half of its output is for the export market.

The company is owned by US firm Zampell.

Now, Vulcan has appointed the Birmingham office of advisory firm Haines Watts, a member of GGI – the independent international association of accounting, audit, legal and advisory firms. GGI member firm Tonneson & Co of Boston, US, introduced Haines Watts to Vulcan.

Gary Dukes, Vulcan’s managing director, said that the investment by Zampell in the business provides good synergy between the two businesses and financial backing from Zampell is allowing Vulcan to invest in its employees and also further develop its existing site and production facilities.

“We are also fortunate that Zampell’s advisers in the USA were members of GGI and introduced us to Haines Watts in Birmingham,” he said.

“They have given us far broader financial advice than we have received previously which has significantly aided our ability to export and also cope with some of the issues that can plague exporters, particularly exchange rate fluctuations.”

“The firm has also been invaluable in providing advice on our investment programme and as a result we are to start work in January on the development of our existing site that is fundamental to enabling us to double our output during the course of the next five years.”       

Andrew Jones, a partner at the Birmingham office of Haines Watts, said that Vulcan is an ambitious company that was transforming itself into a world player.

“There is no doubt that Vulcan’s ownership by a like-minded company has given it the security to invest and look further ahead. This is a company that, whilst it was doing well, had latent capability and that has been realised through its new ownership,” he said.

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