Following the recent announcement of its 2010 financial results in November 2010, Melksham-based Avon Rubber has won ‘International Company Turnaround’ Winner for 2010 by the Institute for Turnaround (IFT). Avon triumphed over a number of other high quality nominees. The company even beat General Motors Inc into second place.
Avon was highlighted as one of the most impressive global turnarounds to appear before the judges. Previous winners of IFT awards include Wilkinson Sword, Germany; Wm Morrison Group plc; Arcadia Group and Sir Stuart Rose.
The turnaround, according to Avon, has been a true partnership between Board strategic planning, development and implementation of operational plans by management, co-operation and commitment from its workforce.
According to Chief Executive of Avon Rubber Peter Slabbert: “Avon is a very different company to that of a few years ago. Avon was a loss making manufacturing company; lacking focus and direction with many diverse business areas. A new management team implemented a plan to transform Avon into a successful, innovative customer and technology led Group.
“During difficult economic times we have established global leading positions in our Protection & Defence businesses by retaining the best of our heritage; talented and motivated people, excellence in materials science and manufacturing but most importantly we have been investing in our great brand names and the infrastructure to get our world leading products to market.”
Matt Evans, Avon Protection’s Sales and Marketing Director added: “Avon Protection’s growing dominance in the CBRN mask and respiratory market has contributed significantly to this result.
“Our long term, partnership with the MoD has resulted in a further order of nearly 15,000 for our long established S10 mask. And new orders from the Middle East and the US continue to drive up sales figures for our new generation 50 series of CBRN masks.”
