Ossett manufacturer lays down plans for international growth
Specialist flooring manufacturer Burmatex, a division of Airea, has revealed plans to further expand its international presence after significantly growing its export sales.
Specialist flooring manufacturer Burmatex, a division of Airea, has revealed plans to further expand its international presence after significantly growing its export sales. The Ossett-based group, which employs 200 people, has seen its overseas like-for-like sales grow by 20 per cent in 2014 compared to the previous year as it continues to enter new overseas markets.
Supporting business explore export opportunities
Now Tony Mauriello, international sales director at Airea, is urging businesses across the
Mr Mauriello is a LEP export ambassador, part of our We are International campaign – an initiative which aims to de-mystify exporting and help more companies across the Leeds City Region realise the immense business opportunities of international trade.
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.
Mr Mauriello said: “Presently around 16 per cent of our turnover is from exports and we’ve set a target for that to increase to 30 per cent over the next four years.
“We have dedicated sales operations in both Poland and Dubai which have been key factors in our success. We believe there are further opportunities for international growth for both ourselves and other companies across the Leeds City Region.”
Top tips for exporting
Mr Mauriello’s top tips for companies looking to export successfully include: thoroughly researching target markets, suppliers and dealers through desk-bound investigation and trade missions; appointing English speaking distributors or agents – irrespective of whether a company has a foreign language capability; and ensuring payments are made, either in advance or through credit insurance being in place.
Mr Mauriello added: “Initiatives such as the LEP’s We are International, with the support of its partners, are essential to helping Leeds City Region companies to achieve their global ambitions and our regional economy to punch above its weight internationally, creating more economic growth, more jobs, and more business opportunities for companies of all sizes and from all sectors.