Multibrands eyes up market expansion
A YORKSHIRE company that produces its own branded goods – ranging from batteries to super glue and plasters – is looking to access new global markets as it plans the launch of more products.
Bradford-based Multibrands is set to introduce ‘U-Stic’ glue and adhesive ‘U-tac’ to add to its ‘ultraloc’ range.
And it is looking to grow its e-commerce arm to increase its online sales as new product launches reach three a year.
The company, which already makes more than 60 products under 14 brands, is particularly interested in increasing its presence in Russia.
Multibrands is exhibiting at a trade fair in Russia as it looks to penetrate the country.
Established 13 years ago by Imran Hussain and his family, Multibrands has grown to boast turnover approaching £75m. It also runs a successful wholesale operation.
Although headquartered in West Yorkshire, it has a distribution centre in Suzhou, China, and a sales team in India to service more than 100 countries.
The company, which employs more than 40 staff in Bradford, covers markets including the UK and Ireland, Europe, the Middle East and the USA. Another growth market is the Far East and it is aiming to gain a foothold in Australia.
Other products, which are sold in major supermarkets and by general retailers, include razor blades, baby wipes, condoms, tampons, toothpaste, lipbalms and energy drinks.
Robert Farnsworth, national account manager for Multibrands, said the company’s strength lay in its product designs, branding, quality and sensible pricing as consumers look to save as the economic downturn continues to bite.
Mr Farnsworth said: “The packaging has to be right as that’s the first thing that the client sees. There’s been a lot of hard work to get these products out into the market.
“We’re extremely competitive on price and we match up with other products by our competitors. We’re getting established and getting a foothold into the market and that’s the key to it all.”
Non-executive director and product designer Stuart Sprowell, said Multibrands was recruiting staff to add to its e-commerce team.
Designer Dave Newell added that the company was a “Yorkshire success story”.
“It’s a matter of finding a niche and we know that people buy these products as they’re ‘ultra-consumable’ things,” he said.
