Pailton boss joins Chamber board

PAILTON Engineering boss John Nollett has been elected to join the board of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

A global leader in the design and manufacture of steering systems, Pailton has sites in the US and Germany and is now looking to expand into India. All products continue to be manufactured in Coventry and exports now account for 72% of the business.

Pailton’s customers include high-profile names such as JCB, Caterpillar, Scania, Dennis Eagle and Leyland DAF.

Nollett is managing director of the firm and has overseen its rapid growth in recent years. Its turnover doubled in just five years and is set to increase again by 35% by 2013.

This year Nollett was a finalist in the Institute of Directors’ Director of the Year Award.

His election to the Chamber board comes at a time when the organisation, which has around 1,500 member companies in Coventry and Warwickshire, has launched a campaign to get more firms trading internationally.

He said: “I am thrilled to have been elected to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber board – it reflects all the hard work which everyone in the company has undertaken to make it the success it is today.

“Our aim is to become a recognised global brand and prove that British manufacturing can still lead the world – despite intense competition from overseas.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Pailton Engineering are a great example of a company that has its roots in Coventry’s history of engineering excellence but is making that work in a 21st Century, global environment.

“John’s and Pailton’s experience in trading globally can hopefully help to inspire others to do the same.”