Grayson’s battery and fan technology is a clean winner

AGLOBAL move towards low or zero-emission buses and coaches has helped a West Midlands manufacturer add £3 million to its turnover in 2016.

Grayson Thermal Systems, which employs 270 people across four sites in the West Midlands and a US operation in Indiana, has seen sales increase to £28 million after securing a string of new orders for its E-drive electric fan technology and battery thermal management products.

This will see technology born in Birmingham used to transport passengers efficiently and in greater comfort across cities such as Barcelona, Hamburg and Hanover.

Managing director Stuart Hateley said: “The world is moving to low or zero-emission vehicles and the bus and coach sector is no different, with the introduction of even cleaner engines, hydrogen fuel cells/hybrids and a move to full electric vehicles.

“We are continually working with the manufacturers and operators to ensure we are delivering cooling, heating and air conditioning solutions that are kind to the environment but also deliver the performance required by our clients.

“This approach definitely paid off in 2016, with the introduction of a number of new products... the next 12 months look equally exciting and we are expecting to grow 15 per cent, creating jobs across a range of engineering and manufacturing positions in the process.”

The firm said it was planning to plough more than £500,000 into R&D and plans to bring a wave of new products to the market over the course of the year, including a cooling system controller aimed at reducing installation time for manufacturers.

There will also be the launch of a battery thermal management system in February, which the company feels will put it in an ideal position to take advantage of growing volumes of electric vehicles.

Mr Hateley added: “We see growth across all areas of the business and in our core exports markets of Europe and North America.

“There is also a lot of opportunities opening up in the previously untapped markets of the Middle and Far East.

“If we can make inroads into these territories, then 2017 will definitely be one to remember.”