Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Managing director wins top honour
The managing director of an employee- owned Coatbridge firm which recently announced a £ 1 million investment in its headquarters at Shawhead has been honoured at a prestigious industry awards ceremony.
Colin Wade of Chemco International beat three other nominees to win the “international” category at the online ceremony held by the Institute of Directors Scotland (IOD).
He took charge of the protective coatings company when it was bought out by its workers in December 2018, and has since seen its export turnover – accounting for nearly three-quarters of its sales – grow from £2.7 million to £4.5m.
Judges were told: “Sales over the past year for this niche manufacturer have increased substantially as a result of Colin making the company proactive rather than reactive, remodelling the manufacturing capability and bringing in modern practices and processes.”
IOD Scotland national director Malcolm Cannon said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of entries this year, and our judging panel had a tough job.
“Amongst our winners, we were most impressed by those who, despite their position, are not afraid to continually develop and actively encourage training to keep ideas fresh.
“By creating vibrant and positive cultures, leaders are motivating their teams to improve their organisation – no mean feat given current market conditions.”
Earlier this month, Chemco announced that it had purchased both its existing Hagmill Road base and vacant neighbouring land from North Lanarkshire Council to improve its existing facilities and then expand with a new building.
It will treble capacity for its production of coatings for the marine, rail and industrial sectors, adding new lab and warehouse space; and secures 30 posts by cementing Coatbridge as its permanent headquarters location.
Mr Wade previously told the Advertiser: “Without this we’d have been forced to relocate out of the area, with an inevitable loss of local jobs.
“We’re gearing up the business for rapid and substantial expansion – we’ve grown 50 per cent in the past two years and are looking at that again, and the plans have the potential to increase jobs in the area.”
He added: “While the past months have not been without their challenges, the business continues to be busy and successful, and we remain ambitious and confident of our ability to secure those opportunities that do still exist in these difficult economic times.
“None of this would have been possible without the teamwork and commitment of all 30 employee owners at Chemco International, who are extremely grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their support.”
Chemco has been congratulated on its plans by elected representatives after buying its rented headquarters premises and neighbouring land from council organisation North Lanarkshire Properties (NLP), .
Its chair, Airdrie South councillor Ian Mcneil, said: “We’re very pleased to have been able to help Chemco secure the premises they needed to expand and grow their successful business.
“Without the capacity for development, the company would have had to look elsewhere – so it’s good news that they are staying here in North Lanarkshire, securing 30 jobs.
“I congratulate Colin Wade and the employee owners on their achievements and thank them for pledging their future to North Lanarkshire.”
Enterprise convener Councillor Allan Graham added: “Having successful companies like Chemco International building their future here is key to developing a strong local economy.
“North Lanarkshire is an ideal location for new and existing businesses, with excellent transport links, a strong workforce and ongoing investment in our infrastructure.
“Despite the challenges for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, we continue to receive enquiries from companies and start- up businesses interested in locating and expanding here; and we have a range of support to help business reopen, recover and grow.”
Information and support for businesses in or considering locating to North Lanarkshire is available through Business Gateway, including finding property or land as well as giving tailored advice; see www. northlanarkshire.gov.uk/businessadvice for more details.