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Prepare for the new Saxon invasiol

14th November 2002
Page 24
Page 24, 14th November 2002 — Prepare for the new Saxon invasiol
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• Sandbach was the last bastion of British truck manufacturing. Come the end, though, ERF and Foden were shadows of their former selves and it proved to be cheaper to build the products elsewhere rather than remain and exploit the rich engineering talent based just off the M6.

But one manufacturer has continued quietly out of the public's eye, and successfully expanded during this period.

Specialist vehicle construction can leave a compary at the mercy of as customers, but steps have been taken by Saxon Specialist Vehicles, (formerly Saxon Sanbec) to expand its activities and profile. Complete with a new name, facilities and markets, the company will continue to produce vehicles for the fire and rescue sector as well as moving into airport support vehicles and municipals.

The expansion follows the acquisition in April 2002 of airport support specialist Norquip. Saxon Specialist Vehicles has brought the Norwich operation across country to be under one new roof, just across the road from the old Saxon site on Moss Lane.

Niche markets

MC Mike Keaney beliees building vehicles for three niche markets lessens the risks when these markets are squeezed: "Saxon Sanbec was dependent on the UK fire market which has had a downturn in finance. By diversifying we can concentrate on other areas if one market is struggling," he says.

The new-look company has worked hard to unify components and suppliers; 70% of the content now comes from the same established group of suppliers. Keaney believes the company is now in a strong position to increase its market share— he's planning for Saxon to become the leading player in the European high-lift market inside 12 months, and to increase its £10m turnover.

Its first new product was the latest 'popemobile', specially built for the Pope's recent tour of Poland, and several airport catering trucks are in the pipeline.

Keaney has reason to be optimistic: Elm spent on a new factory and £120,000 on new computer systems indicate that the company is ready to invest in its future. There are also plans to expand the highly skilled 140-strong workforce, which currently turns out 200 vehicles a year on a one-shift system. Recruiting from the local area should be no prob

lem considering its strong engineering background.

Opportunities in the airport support and high-lift vehicle market will be generated by tougher legislation and a projected increase in air travel. Airlines will have to replace their older high-lift vehicles sooner, and air travel is expected to increase from 180 million passengers a year to 500 million by 2030.

With the double-deck Airbus 4380 in the pipeline, Saxon is leading the way on product design with a double high-lift vehicle.

The airport equipment side of the operation, led by sales manager Rod Slaughter, will also spearhead Saxon's ex sion into the municipal mar As part of the Johnston GT Saxon aims to extend av ness of its products into markets through sister pany Johnston Sweepers.

New ideas

The established fire-and-re division has been busy inve in new ideas and safety des with a 1150,000 prototype s of-the-art fire engine. This ale has been demonstrate fire brigades throughout country to favourable revi Saxon will continue to offer pumping appliances, spec appliances, water tenders platform bodywork.

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Locations: Norwich

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