The new managing director of Avon Engineered Rubber is on a mission to maintain the company’s growth at home and abroad.
Vince Minchella says he is relishing the opportunity to strengthen the South Wales engineering company’s position in the manufacturing sector in his new post following his promotion from the commercial manager’s office.
Minchella has taken over the helm at the Rhondda Valley-based firm at an exciting time following the opening of new premises in Malaysia as South East Asia demand for its products rises.
He has moved into his role as AER’s parent company, Bristol-headquartered Avon Group, is setting its sights on breaking through the £100-million sales barrier for the first time.
As one of nine complementary engineering companies that make up the multi-faceted Avon Group, Minchella will aim to ensure AER, which is based off Maerdy Rd, Ferndale, plays a key role in its overall growth.
Looking ahead to his new leadership duties, Minchella said: “I’m excited to have been given the opportunity to lead Avon Engineered Rubber forward because it is a very important part of Avon Group as the exclusive global source for both stem and cup seal gaskets.
“We’ve been the ‘go-to’ supply partner for the world’s top aerosol valve producers for more than 20 years and I am confident that we will kick on and expand our reach as well as playing an important role in Avon Group’s overall progress.”
That progress has been boosted with the official opening of Malaysian office, warehousing and laboratory facilities. Ribbon-cutting formalities in Penang were led on behalf of the company, by Kevin Harrop, the Group Operations Director of Avon Group.
Minchella added: “The official opening of our new Malaysian base is an important milestone for AER as we are now ideally placed to support growing demand for our products in the South East Asian market and beyond.
“We are very proud of the progress our formidable Malaysian team have been making and they did themselves, AER and Avon Group as a whole proud by staging a fantastic opening which bodes well for our future.
“By honouring local traditions and blessing the visiting dragons it means we’ve got off to a perfect start in new surroundings which we can be proud of as we focus on future expansion.”
Preparation of the facility and orchestration of the ceremonials was led by AER’s Asia Business Development Manager Mei Bashiri with support from husband David, AER’s Asia Technical Engineer.
AER, which also has a presence in Illinois, USA, has also received an important seal of approval from its local member of the Welsh Parliament, Buffy Williams.
It follows her fact-finding mission to the firm’s premises where aerosol gaskets and seals are manufacturedalong with specialist industrial rubber moulding for automotive, HVAC, construction, and other industries.
The visit was arranged due to AER’s prominence as a key employer in the South Wales Valleys at a time when many industries are struggling in a highly challenging climate.
Minchella continued: “Buffy was highly complimentary about our business, our facilities and our people.
“It was great to hear Buffy say what a pleasure it was to see for herself that a Valleys company is thriving, providing stable employment for local people, and representing Wales all over the world.
“A number of Buffy’s Welsh Government colleagues will explore how to support our business growth and the development of our people and we look forward to developing this valuable relationship.”
A £300,000 investment in cutting-edge extrusion technology and plant upgrades will serve to enhance the world-class manufacturing standards already in place at AER’s plant, providing a timely boost as it gears up to support global growth for its specialist products
Minchella’s appointment was announced at the same time as Stephen Thomas was confirmed as Avon Group Joint Managing Director while Greg Smith took on the role as Sales Director.
Together, they will strengthen Avon Group’s status as a world-leading aerosol gaskets manufacturer and producer of automotive components and sealing, insulation, acoustic, filtration and protection products.
As they settle into new roles, Avon Group chief Mark Rushin said: “These are exciting and challenging times for Avon Group and the wealth of experience Stephen, Greg and Vince share mean we can all be optimistic about the future.
“We are all really ambitious and passionate about what we do and with exceptionally talented people in vital positions we are firmly on course to rise to every challenge and fulfil Avon Group’s vast potential.”
