Cobra UK Automotive Products
The demise of Rover MG hit many companies in the automotive supply chain hard. For Cobra, it spelt the loss of two of their biggest clients. “But within days we had secured an important new contract from Volvo,” says MD Gary Seale, “and other new business followed – including Saab, the VW Audi Group General Motors, HP Chemie Pelzer and IAC.
“Now we have a wider, far more balanced client base, and we’re exporting 45% of our output. We’re now planning to quadruple our workforce.”
Cobra’s range includes electric and manual sunblinds, loadspace covers, loadfloors, NVH assemblies, luggage impact restraint systems, treadplates and interior lighting. They have prospered in an ever more competitive marketplace by focussing on quality and innovation. “We work directly with OEMS and the supply chain,” says Gary, “and their demands are for technical innovation and quality at a competitive price.
“We work closely with them to deliver cost-effective engineering solutions and a fresh perspective – accelerating time to market without compromising the original design specifications.”
Following a year when their turnover has tripled, the company has moved into new purpose-built facility at Buttington Cross, Welshpool, one of Mid Wales’ largest business parks. The £4.3 million investment showcases equipment unrivalled in the sector.
Managing Director Gary Seale says, “This is a very large market and to increase our market share we have needed to invest heavily in additional capacity and advanced technologies. Wales has been behind us 100% in getting us this far – their support got us off the ground in the first instance and is now allowing us to regear capacity and quote competitively for large-scale requirements."
To date, Cobra have benefited from an Assembly Investment Grant, Technical Exploitation Funding, a Powys Council grant and the small business guarantee scheme. “Investing in new equipment has been critical to grow our market share and to maintain quality control, and Wales has been behind us 100%.” says Gary Seale.
“The fact that we can custom design new components on site and then take them into production - on virtually any scale – is important to many clients. Yes it would be tempting to look oversea to manufacture, but our roots are here, and maintaining quality control is business critical.”
Being based in Welshpool sprang from the fact that thedirectors live locally – “and none of us are keen to give up the quality of life here,” says Gary. “It has proved a logistic advantage as well, with easy access to the West Midlands, and recruiting well trained shop floor staff has also gone well.
“We look forward to taking Cobra to our next stage of development within the next five years, moving from a company with 18 employees to one with a £45 million turnover company and a workforce of 83.”
