Turnover record for Wedge - UK top galvanizer

Galvanizing has achieved an annual turnover of GBP 45 million over the last financial year for the first time in its history.

Wedge Group Galvanizing has achieved an annual turnover of GBP 45 million over the last financial year for the first time in its history - and successfully consolidated its position as the UK's largest independent galvanizing company.

Based at Willenhall, West Midlands, and with 15 specialist subsidiary outlets from Scotland to the West Country, Wedge has built on its well-established reputation for quality hot dip galvanizing to a wide range of industries, particularly in the high value-added sector of the market requiring a bespoke level of customer service.

Announcing the record annual sales achievement, Wedge Group Galvanizing's Chairman and Chief Executive, Jeremy Woolridge, said: "This is an excellent result for the Wedge Group and has been achieved in spite of some unfavourable trading conditions over the past 12 months, notably substantial price increases for steel and other raw materials, which have affected our customers in construction, fabricating, manufacturing, engineering and other business sectors." At the same time, there have been significant increases in energy and fuel costs, which have had a knock-on effect for the galvanizing industry, and Wedge Group companies have also faced the challenges and costs of implementing new Government environment-protection measures under the latest European directive on pollution prevention and control.

Jeremy Woolridge said that by further expanding its galvanizing capabilities with new products and targeting sales opportunities in more specialist areas, including construction, agricultural equipment, street furniture, crash barriers and automotive components, such as galvanized chassis for road vehicles, Wedge Group companies had experienced consistent growth "across the board".

"During the past five years there has been substantial demand for galvanized products in new market sectors, and we have also seen expansion in the use of galvanizing for new products in more traditional industries: for instance, a 40 per cent growth over the last five years in galvanized security fencing for schools, a 35 per cent rise in balconies and balustrades for construction and the requirement from projects, including the channel tunnel link has doubled".

""We are delighted that the Wedge Group has maintained its position as the UK's largest general galvanizing group and this can be attributed to some important advantages which we have over several of our closest competitors.

"Firstly, and most importantly, our dedicated, highly skilled and experienced staff is second to none in the industry and its technical expertise is valued greatly by our many customers".

"They recognize that the high quality level of galvanizing and customer service they receive from Wedge companies contributes significantly to their own business success".

""Secondly, we have a truly national presence in the market and a well-recognized nationwide identity which has helped us to attract many new customers.

But, at the same time, each of the 15 Wedge companies operates as a local business in its own locality which is important for retaining the all-important trust and loyalty of our customer base".

""A further advantage is that, unlike some competitors who are also component manufacturers as well as galvanizers, we focus on producing galvanized products for external customers only".

"This means we are not competing for service against ourselves and can concentrate on making our customers the no".

"1 priority at all times." In addition to its highly successful UK operation, which is firmly rooted in the West Midlands, Wedge's parent company B.

E.

Wedge Holdings continues to develop its substantial international investments.

These include a wholly-owned subsidiary company in the USA with a $35 million annual turnover, plus successful equity investments in galvanizing companies in both Italy and Germany.

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