Newtown based manufacturer, Makefast Group, designs and builds equipment for the marine and safety industries, as well as systems for super yachts and luxury boats including retractable sunroofs, awning units, and bathing platforms.
Established in 1974 by husband-and-wife duo, Bill and Brenda Brown, the company was originally focused on producing safety hardware for the marine industry, supplying some of the largest life jacket manufacturers in the UK including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Soon after, it began expanding its product range to produce higher value items, and explore overseas markets as a means to grow the business.
Today, Makefast Group exports to more than 30 countries, including Italy, France, Brazil, Taiwan and the USA, with international sales accounting for 67% of the company’s trade – equating to £1.2m year on year growth.
While exports of the company’s hardware products still exist, the company’s main export revenue is generated from marine systems sold into two of Makefast’s largest key markets – the USA and Italy, a leading manufacturing of luxury yachts in Europe. Makefast Group has eight exclusive distributor contracts there including its Italian subsidiary, Makefast Italia.
American expansion
The company is set to own its first base on American soil in Maryland later this year in response to increasing demand for its products in the USA. The news comes as sales within the marine industry have bucked the trend during the pandemic, continuing to climb over the last two years – up by 40% in the American market alone.
Makefast’s export success has been helped by support it has received from the Welsh Government over the last 15 years. The company is involved in the Welsh Government’s International Trade Opportunities Programme, which provides businesses with help to identify and contact potential customers as well as gain advice on trading information at a local level.
Through the programme, Makefast has acquired new distributors in Brazil and benefited from market research into prospective new markets such as in the USA, to establish the appetite for sales.
In addition, the company has also received financial support and assistance to move into its state-of-the-art Powys facility and invest in new equipment and projects.
Chris Brown, Finance Director of Makefast Group, said: “Exporting is a fundamental part of our business and has played a key role in our growth over the years. The global market for luxury yachts and boats is huge and continues to grow, as in the case of the USA, offering plenty of opportunities for us. This is why we are looking to place even more of a drive on the international side of our business going forward.
“Since 2007, we have received a range of support from the Welsh Government through Business Wales, including financial aid to enable us to attend major international trade shows, help identifying new routes to market, advice on how best to adapt products for different regions, and funding to invest in technology and equipment to ensure our products remain top of the range, which has been really important for us.”