Welsh company, Air Covers, has seen its specialist protective covers used for civil and military aircraft, boats and vehicles across the globe.
The manufacturer, which is based in Wrexham, supplies private and public sector organisations including commercial airlines, luxury yacht manufacturers, special forces and defence agencies with bespoke covers. The covers help to protect aircraft, land vehicles and marine craft against damage from corrosion, sand abrasion, humidity, salt, heat and ice, minimising the need for maintenance and subsequently increasing their availability.
Founded in 2006 by husband and wife duo, John and Sasha Pattinson, the company has grown to have a global presence, exporting to over 50 countries across Europe, America, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Key clients include Airbus, Leonardo, General Dynamics, Babcock, Rolls Royce and the UK Ministry of Defence, as well as military operators and medical services all over the world. Exports currently account for 70% of the company’s trade, with Air Covers seeing growth in both international and domestic markets year on year.
With a primary focus on European markets, the manufacturer recently signed deals with Leonardo in Italy to supply protection for helicopter platforms, as well as a contract with German Air Force Eurofighter which will provide 75 aircraft with protective covers.
Being based in Wales has also given Air Covers the opportunity to join other Wales based businesses, who are exporting all around the world, at global trade events to meet potential distribution partners and clients overseas. The company has attended numerous international trade missions and shows in recent years, supported by the Welsh Government, leading directly to prospective customers and new business.
John Pattinson, founder and managing director at Air Covers said: “Working with the Welsh Government over the last 16 years has helped us to double our export business. With their support, we have attended a whole range of trade missions and international exhibitions which have been key to our export growth.
“Exhibiting at trade shows has been a key part of our export strategy and are the main way we secure business. We work to attend at least four or five each year as they are crucial to meeting prospective clients and building on existing relationships. They also enable us to see the latest industry trends and understand first-hand from engineers and pilots what problems they are facing so that we can continually improve and adapt our products.”
Air Covers has built a strong reputation in overseas markets thanks to its export plans and its international growth has led to significant upskilling programmes at its base in Wrexham. Bespoke orders from new markets has resulted in investment in its workforce as well as the introduction of new machinery such as an ultrasonic knife which will support the company’s target of 20% business growth in the next 12 months.
For more information on Air Covers, visit https://aircovers.com/.
