MEP highlights innovation and quality as the future for Midlands manufacturing
20 April 2010
Manufacturing businesses in the UK have a strong future, according to Midlands MEP, Malcolm Harbour, but the industry needs more practical measures to safeguard the sector in the region.
During a site visit to Birmingham-based manufacturer, Evac+Chair, which produces hi-tech evacuation chair systems for export in more than 32 countries, Malcolm Harbour, MEP said:"We need more practical initiatives to support manufacturing companies. For instance, to help small business access new markets by facilitating trade missions and by helping to prepare companies to meet the demands of export. Other support such as innovation vouchers to encourage collaboration and mutually beneficial partnerships with universities can also support businesses to develop globally competitive products."
Harbour’s visit coincided with news that Evac+Chair, the country’s leading supplier of emergency escape equipment specially designed to provide assistance to people who have difficulty or are incapable of independently descending staircases, has acquired the assets and staff of a Telford-based company which produces straps, harnesses and load restraints.
Mark Wallace, Managing Director of Evac+Chair, said: “Our acquisition will mean that every element of our innovative products will be produced in-house, helping us to ensure the highest standard of quality control.”
Despite the recession affecting sales in the US, Evac+Chair and its sister company ParAid, which manufactures bespoke medical handling and transportation solutions for organisations such as ambulance and neo-natal transport services, have seen a combined growth in exports of 20 per cent and recruitment levels have risen by 27% in the last two years.
Mark Wallace said:
“In the last year, we secured a number of significant contracts which helped us ride out the recession. One of the most exciting contracts outside of the UK has been to supply Evac+Chairs to the Yas Marina motorsport circuit in Abu Dhabi in time for its first F1 grand prix last year. The chairs are also in some well known retail stores and leisure outlets including Gap stores, Cotswold Outdoor and Odeon Cinemas.”
ParAid has also been successful with its bespoke solutions for medical transport teams, including incubator trolleys and the launch of the ACR (Ambulance Child Restraint) and the Neo-Restraint design for the safe transportation of young people and babies.
Mark Wallace added:
“The past 12 months has seen an increasing demand for custom-built solutions to patient handling and transportation needs. Recent work for ParAid has included supplying the West Midlands Ambulance Service and air-ambulance services.”
Malcolm Harbour concluded:
“Historically, the Midlands manufacturing sector has not been good at taking products to market. Evac+Chair is a key example of where a product has been marketed on its strengths – combining strong innovation with quality manufacture. Companies like Evac+Chair are crucial to the West Midlands as this is where job growth is coming from. We need more pioneering businesses like this.”
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 04/02/2022 - Fire safety legislation requires overhaul to protect mobility impaired and preserve life
- 21/10/2021 - Lawmakers urged to close legislative gap and provide better protection for disabled
- 16/08/2021 - Fire evacuation – know your PEEPS
- 14/07/2021 - The safest and fastest way to evacuate down stairways
- 07/10/2020 - Evac+Chair launches new range
- 21/09/2020 - Building safety bill makes all accountable
- 03/06/2020 - New site for Birmingham-based manufacturer, Evac+Chair International
- 17/03/2020 - Increasing workplace diversity and its influence on evacuation planning
- 20/09/2018 - The Changing Nature of Risk Whitepaper
- 18/12/2015 - Last Call for Christmas Evacuation Chair Rentals
- 27/11/2015 - Reserve Your Evacuation Chair for Rent over the Christmas Period Now
- 29/10/2015 - Evacuation Chair for Corporate Events
- 19/08/2015 - Evac+Chair International to exhibit at the Hotel Show in Dubai
- 14/07/2015 - The evacuation chair especially for wheelchair users
- 06/05/2015 - Evac+Chair International wins award at 2015 The Health & Safety Event
- 06/05/2015 - Evac+Chair International and Sigma Fire & Security on show in Dubai
- 06/10/2014 - Evac+Chair wins award for best new exhibitor stand at Safety in Action Sydney, Australia.
- 11/08/2014 - Birmingham receives its second public access defibrillator thanks to Evac+Chair International Ltd and St John Ambulance
- 27/06/2014 - Evac+Chair International announce new division – Sigma Fire & Security
- 29/05/2014 - Evac+Chair International donate a heart-warming gift to a Community Centre in Middlewich
- 22/05/2014 - Fire Stations in Shanghai train to use the Evac+Chair
- 02/05/2014 - Evac+Chair donate a heart-warming gift to St John Ambulance
- 10/02/2014 - Evac+Chair donate a life saving device to a charity
- 11/10/2012 - William Harvey Hospital plays it safe with ParAid Medical
- 09/10/2012 - Wales Air Ambulance suited in style with ParAid Medical
- 05/09/2012 - Disabled Workers could be left stranded in emergencies, according to research by Evac Chair International
- 09/08/2012 - Exceptional export growth for Evac+Chair International
- 24/07/2012 - Evac+Chair International stars in Science Museum exhibition, which opens doors today
- 24/04/2012 - Evac+Chair International to represent UK manufacturing excellence at Science Museum
- 24/04/2012 - The changing landscape of evacuation plans
- 24/04/2012 - O2 Academy Music Group nationwide sings a safe tune
- 24/04/2012 - Forth Valley College achieves safety with distinction
- 12/09/2011 - Newborn neo-restraints ensure safe transfer to Birmingham Women’s Hospital
- 10/08/2011 - Emergency stairway evacuation chairs
- 27/06/2011 - Global distribution expands to Malta as exports are up for Evac+Chair International
- 04/05/2011 - UK obesity increase prompts new design of Evac+Chair
- 07/12/2010 - New appointments support Evac+Chair in Scotland
- 05/10/2010 - Evac+Chair International achieves highest quality standard
- 14/09/2010 - Cotswold Outdoor ensure safe descent for customers in store
- 13/09/2010 - Evac+Chair International and DM Wood Medical join forces at Health and Safety 10
- 13/09/2010 - Bristol Water improves health & safety with Evac+Chair
- 12/09/2010 - Businesses must make time to train and practise
- 07/07/2010 - Evac+Chair International’s New Home of Luxury
- 21/04/2010 - Birmingham Royal Ballet turns to Evac+Chair International
- 20/04/2010 - Safe escape for Royal Latin School pupils
- 20/04/2010 - Evac+Chair International look forward to Safety & Health Expo
- 11/11/2009 - Evac+Chairs' big screen success with Odeon Group
- 19/10/2009 - Setrvicare® Manager appointed at Evac+Chair
- 01/09/2009 - Evac+Chair is a lifesaving investment for new community Hospital
- 31/07/2009 - Evac+Chair Emergency Escape keeps Worcestershire NHS up to date
- 07/05/2009 - Primary Care Trust ensures safe evacuation for all
- 19/03/2009 - Award winning senior living homes use Evac+Chair
- 20/02/2009 - Twickenham wins with Evac+Chair
- 22/01/2009 - Complete escape soluton for Leeds City Museum
- 16/12/2008 - The Stairway Evacuation Chair that Speaks your Language
- 04/08/2008 - Big Brands install Innovative Disable Evacuation
- 21/05/2008 - Leading health club fit for evacuation
- 21/05/2008 - Management buyout at Evac+Chair International
