French contract win will double turnover
A manufacturer which created floats to save caravans during floods is set to double its annual revenue at a stroke after winning a major contract in France.
Marche Industries in Ford, near Shrewsbury, makes various items for static caravans including steps and balconies, and has lately become better known for the huge sculptures it produced for Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury, including a dragon and, more recently, an eagle.
But it is for its polystyrene floats, which raise holiday homes and prevent water getting in when caravan sites flood, that have won the company a contract with the Axa insurance group in France.
At present, the company enjoys turnover of around £1 million a year, but the new five-year deal will see the company bringing in another £1 million each year, and could be even more.
Managing director Bill Hunt said: “It will mean a lot more profit for the company.
“The insurance company is one of the largest in France, and it’s a five-year contract with a minimum value of £1 million each year.
“We are starting work on one project in November which will last until March, but there are two other parks we are meeting from St Tropez to see if we can accommodate them as well.”
A meeting was held at Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury after floods struck in 1999, seriously affecting Stourport, and insurers asked for a solution to the problem of flooding on properties, which cost the companies millions of pounds.
When floods hit, the polystyrene floats begin to lift static caravans, and they can be effective with weights of more than 20 tonnes.
Marche Industries is expected to bring in more staff to deal with the work that needs doing in France over the off-season, including on sites in St Tropez.
Already the company has brought in an interpreter to help carry out the work, and is now looking for people willing and able to carry out installation work in France during the winter to complete the first phase of the contract.
Mr Hunt added: “We don’t know how many more we will take on, but we anticipate it will be an extra six or seven people.”
The company is inviting people to discuss the work by calling 01743 850600.