Innovative furniture design company flies Yorkshire flag following manufacturing advice
With help from MAS Yorkshire & Humber, furniture design company ABF Europe, which is based near Wetherby, has sourced new Yorkshire suppliers for its innovative ‘Kite’ office furniture.
Founded in 2000 by creative director Mike Prendergast and sales director Darren Buttle ABF Europe has a current turnover of £2m and employs 15 people.
The firm’s range of Kite tables (which are protected by numerous international granted patents) has taken both the UK and overseas markets by storm. The secret of their success lies in their clever design (they are easy to fold up and down and being on wheels can be easily moved by one person) making them suitable for small gatherings through to large boardroom style meetings.
For some time, ABF has used a far eastern company to supply the metal work for its furniture. However, both Mike and Darren recognised that although they were happy with the quality and cost, the arrangement had at times become a logistical nightmare with items having to be ordered 16-20 weeks in advance resulting in large amounts of stock being held.
“We discussed the matter with MAS Associate, Stephan Matykewicz from MCCR Associates when he visited us to carry out a manufacturing review which was followed by a MAS strategic intervention. In a very short time Stephan identified and brought on line two new Yorkshire suppliers, one of whom we are about to place an order with which is worth in the region of £250k. He also identified three other suppliers as second sources for us,” Mike explained.”
He added: “This has moved us from an onerous/high risk stock and work in progress to a ‘Just in Time’ situation. The new arrangement will also enable us to supply customers with bespoke orders and colour.”
ABF will continue to use its Taiwanese contact to supply some of its growing export business, which currently accounts for 15% of its turnover to countries around the globe including USA; Spain; New Zealand and Australia.
“Through MAS and being able to tap into Stephan’s knowledge and contacts, we have saved a huge amount of time and are proud to be able to tell our UK customers that our goods are made in this country and, even better, in Yorkshire.”
