When you’re a specialist business like Air Covers, it pays to have the right support in order to grow. That’s why the Wrexham-based protective covering company has worked closely with the Welsh government for over 16 years – helping double the SME’s export business during that time.
Air Covers export success shows the value of specialist support
Founded in 2006, Air Covers makes covers for aircraft, land vehicles and marine craft to protect against corrosion, sand abrasion, humidity, salt, heat and ice. This minimises the need for maintenance and subsequently increasing their availability.
Businesses tend to become more flexible as they respond to challenging markets and adapting their services or products to serve new markets encourages creativity, innovation, and increased efficiencies through higher volumes and lower costs.
Air Covers exports to over 50 countries across Europe, America, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Key clients include Airbus, Leonardo, General Dynamics, Babcock, Rolls Royce and the UK Ministry of Defence, as well as military operators and medical services all over the world. Recently, it completed a lucrative deal to become an exclusive supplier for Airbus’ newly launched H145D3 helicopter.
Exports currently account for 65% of Air Covers trade, but the company aims to increase this figure to 75% by 2024.
A key part of the Welsh government export support has involved Air Covers in trade missions and international exhibitions.
As founder John Pattinson explains:
“Exhibiting at trade shows has been a key part of our export strategy and are the main way we secure business. They enable us to see the latest industry trends and understand first-hand from engineers and pilots what problems they are facing so that we can continually improve and adapt our products.”
Find out more: Business Wales: Air Covers.
