Member Article

Transatlantic export success for Barnsley turbocharger supplier as it hits £20 million turnover

Barnsley exporter Melett, a supplier of replacement turbocharger parts, is looking across the Atlantic to drive further growth as US consumers turn to more fuel efficient vehicles.

Melett has grown from £11 million turnover in 2010 to a turnover in excess of £20 million last year with exports accounting for 90% of its business.

In that period, Melett has developed its business operations around the globe, opening manufacturing facilities in China and the UK, and sales and distribution facilities in Poland, Latin America and the US.

Melett is actively targeting the US where it has seen trade increase by over 50% in the last 12 months.

Established in 1995, Melett was bought by current managing director Ian Warhurst and his wife in 2002. Since then, it has grown to a workforce of over 150 in its five facilities across four continents.

Ian Warhurst said: “Having recognised the worldwide potential for our products, we have focussed on establishing Melett as a leading global brand for high quality turbocharger parts.

“Our commitment to actively re-investing in the business is demonstrated by our continuing international expansion, moving from our strong home market of Europe to territories further afield, including Russia, the Far East and Australia.

“From our offices in the US, Mexico, Poland and China, we are able to sell direct to turbo specialists and via distributors.

“This year, we moved into manufacturing with our wholly-owned production facilities in China and the UK becoming fully operational.

“This gives us complete control over the entire manufacturing process, including new product development, whilst retaining Melett’s rigorous quality standards.”

“We are building some strong foundations in the US to prepare for expected growth in the future. The US market is significantly behind Europe in terms of carbon efficiency, and is only just starting to look at reducing emissions.”

Grant Thornton has worked with Melett since 2011 providing a full range of business advisory services including audit, corporate and personal tax advice, as well as ad hoc advice on VAT, employment taxes and transfer pricing.

Richard Hobson, director at Grant Thornton in Leeds, said: “With the company seeing such strong growth in the last three years and turnover expected to show double digit growth again in this financial year, Melett’s success is an inspiring story for British manufacturers.

“It’s fantastic to see first-class Yorkshire engineering recognised throughout the world and we’re proud to be using our network of international offices to support Melett’s ambitious overseas expansion.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .