One of the most respected names in the handling and storage industry has risen again with the re-birth of Apex Linvar ('Apex') in Milton Keynes. Formerly LINPAC Storage Systems, Apex has adopted its original company name as part of a deal brokered between the LINPAC Group ('LINPAC') and Chamonix Private Equity LLP ('Chamonix'). The arrangement sees Chamonix acquire five non-core, unrelated businesses in one transaction from LINPAC.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for us," claims Andy Barrie, the new sales and marketing director for Apex. He continues, "The negotiations have been going on for some considerable time, meanwhile we have kept our heads down and focused on building the business in difficult trading conditions.
"The results have been outstanding and last year saw our turnover increase by £9m to £23m with a profit of £1.0m. This year we move into year two of a five year plan that will see the business grow to around a £40m turnover by 2014.
"From our customers' perspective, it is very much business as usual. Chamonix has given the existing board of directors its seal of approval and so the experienced team of David Sheppard (general manager), Mike McVeigh (finance director), Mike Savage (technical director) and myself (sales & marketing director), along with our strong team, will drive the business forward working with the full support of Chamonix.
"In the UK, our aim is to strengthen our position as the number one brand in racking and to become a major player in the shelving market. To this end we will be establishing a specific sales team dedicated to the shelving market and strengthening the racking team with additional sales and project professionals to ensure we hit our ambitious targets.
"In all, we are looking to add eleven new specialist people to the team this year and this will form the backbone for the business in the years ahead. For me personally, it is an exciting challenge, but with the talented team we are building here in Milton Keynes, my job will be much easier," explains Barrie.
Major contributors to the success of the Apex business in 2010 were large project wins for retailer River Island and online retailer ASOS; also a major factor was the continued support of our valued Distributor network.
It was during the last quarter of 2010 that Barrie was promoted from national accounts manager to sales and marketing director, in recognition of the work he has done to help develop the business.
"From a personal point of view, I am delighted the company has given me this opportunity," continues Barrie. "Over the last 18 months or so the sales and operations team has worked tirelessly to get the business back on track. It is an honour for me to be part of this team and I am really looking forward to working with them to achieve the goals we have set for the business. We have real strength in depth and with the new recruits we are looking to add to the business, the Apex team is going to be an even more powerful force in the marketplace," concludes Barrie.