Kilfrost - News/Media
Global de-icing leader on track for record performance.
Published on: Friday 16th October 2009
WITH experts predicting a winter like the last one, world-leading global de-icing company Kilfrost expects to improve on last year’s £50m sales.
And the North East company says that, with projects to break into new markets and new product areas now well advanced, it expects a further 25% sales lift on this figure over the next two years.
In recent years, the 75-year-old firm has raised its profile and achieved notable sales success across the globe, making strong inroads into the American and Chinese markets, which helped it double turnover in the last year.
Chief executive Gary Lydiate says it is still very much focused on its core area of wing de-icing products for aircraft, but sees great potential in new markets.
One of these is a gritting product for clearing pavements of ice, which will replace corrosive salt with a pellet of de-icer. It has proved successful on trial and its sales team is now in talks with public authorities worldwide to secure sales.
It is also increasing its profile in the rail market, having recently secured the contract to provide de-icers to keep Chicago’s trains running.
Mr Lydiate said: “We are expecting a normal winter this year – a winter similar to last year. We have had mild winters in the previous few years.
“The contracts are in place with our customers and the orders will follow, depending on the weather. We are performing well across all our areas, with America and China particularly strong. If the winter is same as last year’s we will improve on last year’s sales and we expect to add a further 25% in the coming few years.”
The company moved its headquarters from Haltwhistle to Newcastle earlier this year and employs over 60 staff in the region.
It is currently recruiting further staff into its headquarters.
As well as its staff in the North East, Kilfrost employs a further 50 staff across the globe, including manufacturing staff in Holland, Japan and the United States.
Kilfrost’s de-icing products – the contents of which are a closely-guarded secret – are made in Haltwhistle and dispatched to the three overseas factories to be mixed into the finished product.
The firm is responsible for the manufacture of much of the world’s aircraft wing de-icers, and this accounts for 75% of its sales.
An upbeat Mr Lydiate added: “Kilfrost is the global leader in aircraft de-icing.
“Our business is growing well and we are proud to be based here in the North East.”
See link to article http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2009/10/14/global-de-icing-leader-on-track-for-record-performance-51140-24923630/
