Automotive injection moulder Neyr UK (GB-Peterlee SR8 2QH) is investing GBP 2m in a factory extension and additional machinery as it looks to increase turnover from GBP 10m to GBP 15m over the next three years. A subsidiary of Groupe Neyr (www.neyr.com), the UK business switched emphasis from manufacturing for the consumer durables market – for companies such as Black & Decker and Samsung – to targeting the automotive sector, with the result that turnover has soared from GBP 3m in 2000 to its present level. The surge in sales is due to lucrative contracts with Toyota, Peugeot, Nissan and GM for under-body, under-bonnet and interior components. The turnover increase was accompanied by GBP 2m of investment and an increase in the workforce from 45 in 1996, when the plant was established, to 105 today.

“We have had a good couple of years and we have got a good next year secured,” says plant manager Chris Pennison. “Probably by the end of 2004 it will be safe to say turnover will be around GBP 11m so we are already some way along towards our goal of reaching GBP 15m within the next three years.”

As well as supplying parts for new models for existing customers, Neyr UK hopes to secure further moulding contracts from new clients in the auto market. The additional business will also see a small increase in the workforce.

Groupe Neyr has moulding plants in Spain and the Czech Republic in addition to France and the UK. Part of the global automotive supplier Mecaplast (www.mecaplast.com), it derives 75% of its turnover from the automotive industry. It is Europe´s leading supplier of parts such as exterior grilles and under-bonnet reservoirs.