Year-end accounts show a bumper year for MacLellan Rubber as they adapt to changes in the market.
Andrew Onions, director at MacLellan, says: "Despite a backdrop of financial, political and domestic upheaval, I'm delighted that our performance has bucked the trend and been extremely positive. Overall, we increased sales by seven per cent in what was a busy year for the company in more ways than one."
In 2016, MacLellan relocated from Neachells Lane, which they had called home for 12 years, to their current site at nearby Planetary Road Industrial Estate. The relocation provided an opportunity for a 'spring-clean' of old stock and to streamline their warehouse procedures, which resulted in improvements to their stock profile. MacLellan's now carry 50 per cent more stock than ever before. They continue to improve on the range of stock with the introduction of new products and additional products from their European partners.
The move also helped to reduce their overall cost base providing a buffer when there was an external increase in material costs, which helped MacLellan maintain costs to their customers.
Earlier in 2017, MacLellan purchased the trading element of Thames Valley Supplies who had been a valued customer.
Simon Winfield, director at MacLellan, explains: "Unfortunately, Thames Valley lost their founder who was the driving force behind their business. We had worked with them for many years and by acquiring part of the business, we were able to grow the trading side of MacLellan's which would help us spread the fixed cost base and assist in our drive to keep prices low."
He continues: "However, this prompted unfounded rumours in the market of our foray into gasket cutting, despite our not possessing the expertise or equipment to do so. We continue to reiterate our position that we do not cut gaskets, however from time to time, we source gaskets from a variety of customers as reciprocal business."
Customers remain at the heart of the business and staff work tirelessly to achieve excellent levels of customer service which is measured and reviewed daily.
Andrew says: "We would like to thank our customers for their support in the last financial year and look forward to working with customers, both old and new, in the year ahead."