Changes in the ranks as taxi maker gears for growth
BLACK cab manufacturer Manganese Bronze has announced a management restructure in order to realign the company’s business strategy.
The Coventry firm is planning to involve Chinese joint venture partner Geely more in the running of the business because of the close nature of partnership.
John Russell, Manganese Bronze chief executive, said the company wanted to build on the benefits of a re-structuring programme that had seen the TX4 business return to profitability.
The company, in addition to developing a Chinese version of its iconic product with joint venture partner SLTI, has also signed an exclusive agreement with Geely to distribute its vehicles in the UK.
“We have many opportunities to develop in the future but it is important that we marshal our resources in the most effective manner possible and make the most of these opportunities,” said Mr Russell.
He said a review had identified four areas for development. Firstly, the core TX4 business in the UK and international markets, secondly, it said there was an opportunity to broaden and grow the group’s presence in the global taxi market by launching the new TXN saloon car taxi.
Thirdly, there is an opportunity to grow the business in a different sector of the automotive market by distributing Geely’s expanding range of cars in the UK. Manganese said it was aware of the success that the Korean brands Kia and Hyundai had had in the UK and it was looking to replicate this with Geely.
Finally, it said there were other opportunities to partner with Geely to create business growth opportunities in many other areas.
“If we are to make a success of all of these opportunities we need to ensure that we have the right resources in place including and starting with organisational structure,” said Mr Russell.
To begin the process, the company said it was carrying out a series of management changes.
Peter Shillcock, managing director, The London Taxi Company and Chief Operating Officer of Manganese Bronze Holdings and board director, will report to Mr Russell. He will focus on the engineering, manufacturing, quality and purchasing functions and product development.
Also reporting to Mr Russell will be George Zhao, Deputy CEO, who will continue in his current role but will be developing, with Gang Wei, an effective structure within SLTI and Geely to improve team working and support the delivery of our key strategies.
Tony Pearman, Finance Director, continues in his current role, while Matthew Cheyne, International Director, continues to be responsible for the current TX4 International markets and the launch of TXN. He will also now be responsible for the distribution of Geely Cars in the UK and the commercial aspects of any other new business ventures with Geely.
Rob Laidler is now responsible for all Sales & Marketing activities in the UK and aftersales worldwide, while Gang Wei, Strategy and Director Business Development, continues in his current role.
Mark Devin, Company Secretary, also continues in his current role
“These changes are the first stage of a process to ensure that we have the right resources and plans to deliver our strategies,” said Mr Russell.
“We have weathered very tough times in recent years and come through. I am confident that the future offers tremendous opportunities for business improvement and it is up to us all to make the most of these opportunities.”
