'FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS' - SAYS MANDERS.

Last year saw some major changes within the Manders paint group, particularly affecting Manders Industrial Division. Not least was the long illness and then untimely death of Geoffrey Norman at 51, who had been chairman and chief executive of Manders (Holdings) plc. Present Chairman is Sam Wainwright who, with new Group Chief Executive, Roger Akers (another one of those 'live wire' characters that Manders seem to attract) has given guidance and direction in the recent rationalization of Manders Industrial Division. In addition to powder coatings, wet paints and lacquers made at Tyseley include wood finishes (including UV cured), general stoving enamels, coatings for automotive power train areas, plus coatings for automotive component manufacturers, such as brakes, springs and the like. This latter business which they share with Ruabon, must meet all the high specifications at the automotive industry. They also make coatings for British Rail rolling stock and they believe that they are now the main supplier.