ABRACS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF ABRASIVES EXCELLENCE
One of the UK's leading suppliers of abrasive consumables says product innovation has helped drive six consecutive years of double digit growth as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Yorkshire-based Abracs was originally established in 1989 as part of a York-based power tool supplier, demerging in 2003. Last year, the family-owned firm was sold to the existing management team led by managing director Robert Jeffery. Since then, there has been significant investment made into the company's marketing, infrastructure and product development.
"A proactive approach to developing products for many different industries and markets, combined with our commitment to market leading service and a loyal, growing customer base are key elements that have consistently helped to drive our growth," said managing director Robert Jeffery.
The original Abracs product range comprised abrasive cutting and grinding discs which remains one of the main product lines today. Now the range also incorporates rail grinding products, flap discs, sanding discs, surface conditioning products, mounted wheels, non-woven finishing products, diamond blades, hole saws, coated abrasives, wire brushes and other accessories.
"We have a number of new ranges currently being researched for potential inclusion in the 2015 catalogue. The constant development and evolution of the product range has been a significant driving factor in our success."
Earlier this year, Abracs launched a new export division which has already yielded significant results.
"Worldwide demand for abrasives is forecast to expand, particularly in Western Europe and the Middle East, and we are confident that we can maximise these new opportunities. We continue to make good progress in developing and adapting our business to make it more efficient and responsive to market developments and evolving customer needs.
"On our 25th anniversary, we're saying a special thank you to all our customers, suppliers and workforce who have helped to make Abracs the company it is today. We'll be running some special promotions and events throughout July and August to celebrate the event and are very much looking forward to building on the success of the business in the future," said Robert.
Area sales manager Danny Chambers has been with Abracs throughout its 25 year history, and has seen the team grow from the original two to 25, with plans to increase the York-based workforce further this year.
"We have an excellent reputation for giving our distributors what they need to help them grow their businesses, and we continue to build on that reputation to gain a foothold in new markets and industries. These are exciting times for the business and its customers and we're looking forward to the next quarter century," said Danny.
Photo: The senior management team celebrate Abracs' 25th anniversary with a visit to one of their long-term European manufacturing partners. Pictured (l-r): Martin Reid, Peter Topham, Danny Chambers, Zoe Timmins, Nicola Pledger, Jason Faulkner, Rob Jeffery, Sue Spilsbury, Allan Fisher and Pack Cockerill.
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Notes for Editors
Abracs supplies abrasives and accessories to wholesale distribution channels serving industry sectors ranging from DIY, painting and decorating and construction, to automotive, marine, aerospace and metal fabrication. Established in 1989, the £5m turnover business has a 25-strong workforce based at its headquarters in York. Abracs has recognition and approval from various governing bodies including the Organisation for the Safety of Abrasives (OSA), Link Up and ISO accreditation, and are proud to be active members of the British Abrasives Federation (BAF). www.abracs.com