 R + T ExhibitionPRESS INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07 DECEMBER 2011
MAKEFAST TO ATTEND STUTTGART’S R+T EXHIBITION FOR THE FIRST TIME
One the UK’s leading manufacturers of marine sun protection systems, has confirmed its attendance for the first time at next spring’s world trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection systems.
Newtown based Makefast Ltd will be attending The R+T Exhibition at Messe Stuttgart in February 2012, with the aim of introducing its range of stainless steel and electric-powered sun, awning and sunroof systems to the building, construction and architectural markets.
Graham Williams, sales manager at Makefast, explains: “The last year has seen a number of enquiries from architects with a view to integrating versions of the Makefast product range as sun protection annexes into commercial construction design and new-build, high-end domestic developments. While the area is new ground for us, there is definite potential. Our products are manufactured using high grade stainless steel and marine-grade canvas to withstand rigorous weather conditions including salt water and sun and as such would be a quality, robust solution for an 3architectural application.”
Makefast will be in Hall E2 stand 034 at the R+T Exhibition, 28 February – 03 March, Messe Stuttgart, Germany. More information about the exhibition is available at: www.messe-stuttgart.de/rt
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WELSH BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERSPRESS INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 OCTOBER 2011
MAKEFAST SECURE TWO ACCOLADES AT ANNUAL WELSH BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY
Makefast Ltd, one the UK's leading manufacturers of marine safety components, manual and electric sliding roofs, and complementary products for luxury yachts, has come top in two categories at a prestigious Welsh business awards ceremony.
Held at Theatre Hafren, Newtown in September the Powys Business Awards, now in its third year is organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, Powys County Council and the Cambrian News media group. The awards are open to any size of business from sole trader to multinational, trading for 12 months or more, employing locally-resident staff and with offices and/or manufacturing facilities in the county of Powys.
Against increased competition and double the number of entries to 2010, Makefast was announced as winners of the Manufacturing Award and Business of the Year 2011. On behalf of the judges and quoting their summing up, Ceri Stephens, group manager at Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, said: "Manufacturing has become one of the hardest hit business sectors in recent years. Yet here is a company that has met this challenge head-on having experienced its own close encounter with the recession.
"The judges were particularly impressed by the strategy employed by Makefast to meet the challenges of a very tough market situation. This included investing in new markets, new technology and new products, and most importantly in staff development. Today, the generosity of this investment, coupled with the endeavours of an outstanding management team and workforce, has rewarded the company in a difficult market with an important reversal of fortunes. As a result Makefast is now a profitable industry frontrunner; as well as being one of the UK's leading suppliers of components for the safety industry; highly regarded for its innovative manufacturing skills and deservedly enjoying a growing worldwide customer base."
Mike Mills, production engineering manager at Makefast Ltd, said: "Winning both of these awards has come at a good time for Makefast, and reflects the time and energy everyone from the business has put in to making sure we not only survived a difficult recession but have come out on top, innovating and trading with confidence. I am very proud of our achievements."
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About Makefast
Established in 1974, Makefast Ltd employs 30 people at the company's site in Newtown, mid Wales. It also designs and manufactures a range of yacht sprayhood fittings and sailmakers' hardware. The company recently added distributors in Italy and Taiwan to its network and is ISO 9001 accredited.
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 MEMBER OF THE BRITISH MARINE FEDERATION
About The British Marine Federation
Makefast Ltd is now a member of the British Marine Federation, an award winning trade association in the leisure and marine industry.
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 MAKEFAST LAUNCH NEW LUXURY YACHT AWNINGPress information
For immediate release
25 March 2010
Makefast, a leading manufacturer of manual and electric sliding sun roofs for the luxury yacht industry has added a range of stainless steel awnings to its product portfolio.
Fabricated in marine grade 316 stainless steel, and dimensions up to seven metres wide, the awning, driven by a discrete electrically controlled gearbox, is deployed through hinged extension arms which enable it to comfortably extend up to 2.2 metres deep. The option of manual operation is also available. The unique design was launched at the recent Dusseldorf International Boat Show on board the new Princess V85-S. |
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The system, on opening, automatically tensions the Stamoid fabric; enhanced by the highly polished stainless steel; to provide an improved protection against the harsh environment as well as a luxurious high quality finish. The awning can retract into a self contained compact unit and thus may be installed as part of a new build or a retro fit.
Graham Williams, sales manager at Makefast Ltd, said: “Once again we have responded to customer demand with this new awning. Previously, shop awnings were used to fulfil the function, which whilst satisfactory in the short term, in the medium to long term often suffer from corrosion and reliability issues. To have the product endorsed by Princess Yachts International at such a prestigious show as Dusseldorf is a fitting launch for the enhanced aesthetics and quality of this new Makefast system.”
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MAKEFAST HIGHLIGHTS EXHIBITIONS AS KEY ELEMENT TO SUCCESS IN 2010Press information
For immediate release
05 January 2010
MAKEFAST HIGHLIGHTS EXHIBITIONS AS KEY ELEMENT TO SUCCESS IN 2010
One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of marine safety components, manual and electric sliding roofs and complementary products for luxury yachts, has reported a successful series of autumn 2009 exhibitions and as the worldwide economy moves out of recession, aims to capitalise on a series of recently introduced products as well as new ones planned for 2010.
Newtown, (Wales) based Makefast Ltd attended or was represented at the UK’s Southampton Boat show, A+A safety exhibition in Germany, Genoa International Boat Show in Italy, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in the USA and METS (Marine Equipment Trade) Show in Holland. |
 SUCCESS CONTINUED...Commenting on the success, Graham Williams, sales manager at Makefast Ltd, said: "While trading conditions remained difficult throughout Europe and the USA during 2009 we found the exhibition arena an excellent platform to showcase our new products. Having secured some significant orders as a result of the Fort Lauderdale, METS and Genoa shows, exhibitions will continue to be a crucial element of our marketing and promotions mix in 2010. As well as business-to-business, we will also be looking to exhibit at a number of business-to-consumer events."
New Makefast products will be shown by several of the UK’s leading yacht manufacturers at London’s International Boat Show in the ExCel Centre from 08 to 17 January, and Seatec Expo, Carrara, Italy from 10 to 12 February 2010, where the company will exhibit jointly with its new Italian distributor: Svama Nautica.
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MAKEFAST RETURNS TO GERMANY’S A+A EXHIBITION WITH NEW PRODUCT RANGEMedia alert
13 October 2009
MAKEFAST RETURNS TO GERMANY’S A+A EXHIBITION WITH NEW PRODUCT RANGE
One the UK’s leading manufacturers of marine safety components, manual and electric sliding roofs and complementary products for luxury yachts is returning to this year’s A+A safety exhibition in Germany, for the first time in four years.
Newtown based Makefast Ltd will be offering a range of new products including buckles, hooks, D-rings and rings. At carbon steel prices, and previously only in type 316, the company’s buckles and rings are now available in 304 stainless steel.
Commenting on the return to the A+A exhibition, Graham Williams, sales manager at Makefast Ltd, said: "We have spent the past couple of years concentrating on our high end, high value products. However, this exhibition will play an important role in promoting our essential safety product range."
Makefast will be on stand 6A73 at the A+A, 3-6 November, Messe, Dusseldorf, Germany. More information is available at www.aplusa-online.com.
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MAKEFAST RESPONDS TO DEMAND FOR WIDE DIAMETER CANOPY TUBESPress information
For immediate release
16 September 2009
MAKEFAST RESPONDS TO DEMAND FOR WIDE DIAMETER CANOPY TUBES
One the UK’s leading manufacturers of marine safety components, manual and electric sliding roofs and complementary products for luxury yachts has responded to the demand for wide diameter tubing by launching two re designed products. |
 NEW PRODUCTS CONTINUED...The Sleektrack Car and the Tube Crowner are available through distributors of Newtown (Wales) based Makefast Ltd and designed to accommodate the growing interest from yacht owners for canopies manufactured using stronger 1¼" and 1½" tubing. The universally fitting Sleektrack Car is cast from 316 stainless steel as opposed to formed metal. Its double locking system, low friction plastic runners and single lever enables the significantly easier clamping operation to carry greater loads than previous versions. In addition, there are no are no visible fasteners. The Tube Crowner’s new design extends the benefits of the previous version and includes new features such as a geared drive wheel for ease of use, interchangeable form sizes and is automatically supplied and fitted with 1" rollers.
Testing and feedback from customers has been very positive and Ian Clark, business development manager at Kayospruce Ltd one of Makefast’s key distributors in the UK, said: "Makefast has launched the new Tube Crowner at the right time. As boats and canopies get bigger so does the demand for fittings and tubing. Having seen the product in action, we are very impressed with its quality and design. With the potential in the market place for this product I can see it becoming a success and a feature in every cover maker’s workshop."
Graham Williams, sales manager at Makefast Ltd, said: "These products have been developed in response to customer demand and through the Makefast continuous improvement programme. Manufactured from stronger material and aesthetically better looking than previous versions, we are confident that they will meet if not exceed customer expectations."
Makefast will exhibiting at the following shows during 2009:
1 Genoa International Boat Show, Italy, 03 - 11 October
2 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, USA, 29 October - 03 November, stand 0338
3 A+A, 3-6 November, Messe, Dusseldorf, Germany, stand 6A73
4 METS (Marine Equipment Trade) Show, Amsterdam, 17-19 November, stand 03.508.
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 MAKEFAST LAUNCH HYDRAULIC BIMINI SYSTEMPress information
For immediate release
06 August 2009
MAKEFAST LAUNCH HYDRAULIC BIMINI SYSTEM
A mid Wales company is launching a new product at the Southampton Boat Show 2009, which for the first time will enable fully automated operation of canopies and bimnis on luxury yachts and powerboats.
The hydraulically powered bimini system, the brainchild of Newtown based Makefast Ltd; one of the UK’s leading design, manufacture and distributors of marine safety components, manual and electric sliding roofs, and complementary products for the luxury yacht market; is launched in conjunction with Flexicovers Ltd, which offer a complete design, manufacturing and fitting service for hydraulic and manually operated bimini canopies.
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 BIMINI SYSTEM CONTINUED...Crafted from high quality stainless steel, the robust hydraulic motor and actuators are available in two sizes and contain a universal mounting system, allowing the unit to be installed easily on any boat, new or old. Designed to open over the flybridge or cockpit and exclusively styled to accommodate a maximum six metre width of canvas, the hydraulic bimini system can be seen on powerboats manufactured by world-renowned names such as Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker displayed at this year's show.
Highlighting some of its advantages and the partnership with Flexicovers Ltd, Graham Williams, sales manager at Makefast Ltd is excited by the product’s prospects. He said: "The system allows one person at the touch of a button, to erect or stow a bimini in 60 seconds, instead of two or three people taking 15 minutes using a standard manual operation. We have an excellent arrangement with David Gray and his team at Flexicovers and look forward to a successful ongoing relationship."
David Gray, managing director at Flexicovers Ltd, said: "We have received a very encouraging response from new boat builders approached so far. The simplicity of deployment is a major selling point and I’m sure that once owners visiting this year’s show experience the hydraulic bimini system we will start to see a number of enquiries for both new boat and our retro-fit service."
The Southampton Boat Show 2009 is from 11 to 20 September.
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ABOUT MAKEFAST AND FLEXICOVERS
About Makefast
Established in 1974, Makefast Ltd employs 30 people at the company’s site in Newtown, mid Wales. It also designs and manufactures a range of yacht sprayhood fittings and sailmakers’ hardware. The company recently added distributors in Italy and Taiwan to its network and is ISO 9001 accredited.
For more information about Makefast Ltd, contact:
Graham Williams, sales manager
Tel: +44(0)1686 629010
Email: grahamw@makefast.com
www.makefast.com
About Flexicovers Ltd
As sole suppliers of biminis to Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker, Flexicovers Ltd is the UK’s leading cover manufacturer. In addition, it also holds a large library of CNC templates for retro-fit boat covers and biminis.
For more information about Flexicovers, contact:
David Gray, managing director
Tel: +44 (0)1202 721309
Email: davidg@flexicovers.co.uk
www.flexicovers.co.uk |
