Wenaas UK

Source: Energy Digital

Date :23/10/2007 13:49:44

Manufacturing across continents

Acquired by the Kwintet Group in 1999, Wenaas provides a one-stop-shop for protective equipment and apparel in head-to-toe protection and is a well known firm in the PPE sector

Written by Sam Wright & Produced by Ben Weaver

A division of Kwintet Group, Europe's largest work wear manufacturer, Wenaas was founded in Måndalen, Norway in the 1920s and has grown through three generations to become the leading global supplier for work wear and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

I spoke to Logan Gallon, Wenaas’ UK’s Senior Business Development Manager, about the company’s success. Mr. Gallon has been with Wenaas for three years, previously having held senior management positions with national PLCs in the PPE market, in which he has over 30 years experience.

High standard“

We consider ourselves manufacturers, and not actually distributors, although we do distribute all the major brands of PPE in head to toe safety as you would expect. But 65 percent of our global volume is garments manufactured by us,” said Mr. Gallon.

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Much of this volume is taken up by Wenaas’ own brand apparel and includes our own brand of safety footwear, (Forma), hand protection (Odin) We have also developed a new range of Eyewear, Hearing protection and Respiratory products for our global market. And because the company is primarily a manufacturer, it has the ability to develop own brand designs and tailor the packages to individual clients.” Global Expertise Delivered Locally”

It is this ability to manufacture in our own factories that gives us an edge over the competition. Of course, this advantage is only relevant if the quality of the products are not compromised either in quality or performance. Here Mr. Gallon points to the ‘excellent’ sales of these own brand products as an indicator that the company is on the right track. Customers such as Esab - for which Wenaas are single source suppliers, servicing all sectors of their business, also provide a strong testament to this. However, this firm are not the only impressive client on their books. Companies such as BP, Shell and Halliburton recognise Wenaas’s reputation “as an international company with the experience and commitment to provide personal protective equipment of a high quality and at the right price”, points that underline Mr. Gallon’s message.

Effective streamlining

“We are constantly developing and working on ways that we can improve products on the PPE side of things. We’re very good at sourcing products directly, and because we’re a manufacturer we can retain our competitive edge,” Gallon says.

It is this method that has eliminated the need for multiple suppliers and costs associated with fragmented supply chains, allowing the company to remain competitive and flexible. This direct approach has been applied throughout the company, in particular research and design, allowing the company to respond effectively to changes in the market. “The currency fluctuation is obviously a major issue for us,” he explains.

“The price of materials has an effect on us. We source many of our products from the Far East as do many of our competitors. The global shortage of leather is a good example. We’re seeing massive increases on a day-to-day basis because of the shortage of hide, and costs like this will have a major influence on how we conduct our business.

“We take all of this into account, and that’s where product development comes in. Luckily, we’re very good at innovation and from nothing develop it into a real product.” Identifying that there is a market for it in the first place.

International interests

The environment is a concern for all companies, not just those in the manufacturing sector. Here, Wenaas has been specific in its aims to conduct business to protect the onshore environment. It is publicly committed to minimising the risk of all forms of pollution associated with its activities wherever and whenever possible, by means of a programme of continuous improvement, an attitude that is applied throughout its international interests.

Throughout the interview, Mr. Gallon emphasises the global nature of Wenaas. With five manufacturing plants and 15 sales offices in countries as varied as the UK, USA, Norway, Georgia, Azerbaijan Kazakhstan and partners in Sakhalin, UAE and Nigeria among others, the company is a good position to meet the needs of even the most demanding clients. The company is also looking to have its outlet in Singapore operational by January 2008.

The company’s domestic activity has also been impressive. Despite a general poor performance in the UK manufacturing industry over the past few years, Wenaas has continued to develop its British presence with branches in Aberdeen, Newcastle, the West Midlands, Dartford and Great Yarmouth. Since Mr. Gallon joined the company, he has seen this progress continue.

“In the last three years we relocated the outlet in Great Yarmouth to much larger premises. We relocated the branch in the West Midlands from its original location in the East Midlands, and we have upgraded all the factories.”

However, despite all this positivity Wenaas, is still at the mercy of an unpredictable global market. “We’re like everyone else in that we’re influenced by market trends and the cost for raw materials,” says Mr. Gallon, returning to the themes that will resonate with everyone in the sector.