Flooring manufacturer lays down plans for international growth
A SPECIALIST flooring manufacturer has revealed plans to further expand its international presence after significantly growing its export sales.
Ossett-based Burmatex, a division of listed company Airea, employs 200 people and has seen its overseas like-for-like sales grow by 20% in 2014 compared to the previous year as it continues to enter new overseas markets.
Airea, which mainly designs, manufactures and supplies flooring to the commercial property sector through its Burmatex and Ryalux brands, sells its products to more than 50 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia.
International sales director at Airea, Tony Mauriello, said: “Presently around 16% of our turnover is from exports and we’ve set a target for that to increase to 30% over the next four years.
“We believe there are further opportunities for international growth for both ourselves and other companies across the Leeds City Region.”
Mr Mauriello is urging businesses across the region considering the launch of international operations to grab the opportunity as the economic recovery gathers pace. He is a Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) export ambassador, part of the organisation’s We are International campaign.
The initiative aims to de-mystify exporting and help more companies across the Leeds City Region realise the immense business opportunities of international trade.
Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, added: “Airea is a fantastic example of a great Yorkshire business that having enjoyed many years of success in the UK has not rested on its laurels but developed an innovative model to allow it to capitalise on global opportunities.”
