Manufacturer targets new markets after £1.8m funding deal
THE Birmingham-based manufacturer of the world’s leading emergency evacuation chair is targeting new markets after securing a £1.8m funding package.
Evac+Chair International makes products that allow wheelchair users or less able bodied people to be evacuated quickly and safely down stairs in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake or a fire.
The firm has been manufacturing in Birmingham since 1985 and has experienced continual growth over the past 30 years, generating £7m turnover in the last financial year.
As part of its global expansion, the business, has opened a new office in Dubai to cater to the growing demand in the Middle East.
Venues in Birmingham that are supplied with Evac+Chairs include Aston Villa Football Club and Birmingham Hippodrome.
The funding, provided by Yorkshire Bank, has been used to purchase two new machines to enhance production capacity at the firm’s Birmingham plant, which employs 87 people.
One of the chairs was used to safely evacuate a worker from the 69th floor of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks 15 years ago.
Mark Wallace, owner and CEO said: “We have experienced continual growth over recent years and with new machinery to assist with the expansion of the business we are in a very strong position moving forward.
“Securing the funding from Yorkshire Bank has allowed the business to thrive and we aim to continue our growth over the coming years.
“The support we have received has been invaluable and the team have really taken the time to assist with our plans to expand into new markets.”
Gareth Jones, Head of Yorkshire Bank’s Commercial & Small Business – Relationship Management teams, said: “Evac+Chair International Ltd has demonstrated a genuine entrepreneurial track record, identifying new opportunities and maximising these.
“We are proud to have supported the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with the team as they continue to grow the business.”
