A Wolverhampton company has expanded into new premises and created new jobs after an investment of £250,000.
GE Welding Supplies was formed almost 30 years ago and run by founder Gordon Evans out of a small office, with just a shipping container for storage (
www.gewelding.uk).
Gradually, the business expanded its customer base throughout the West Midlands, and in 2012 Mr Evans sold the business to welding-trade specialist Mike Perks and his family.
Mr Perks has since enlarged its customer base, and he has increased its annual turnover by more than 400% in the past four years. The expansion warranted more suitable premises, so when Mr Perks spotted an unused warehouse nearby, he decided it would be ideal for the firm’s needs.
He bought the building and created a 6,000ft
2 facility with storage and office space, along with a dedicated showroom area.
Mr Perks said: “A dramatic increase in turnover saw us outgrow our previous premises, but we were determined to keep in touch with our loyal customers by remaining within a mile of the original location and keeping the same phone number.
“Our investment has seen the reclamation of a large and neglected building, which was very hard work to transform, but very worthwhile. We now have excellent facilities to showcase our products and services; we have also expanded our workforce.”