FB Chain reveals 40% export boost

Overseas orders now account for some 40 per cent of FB's annual turnover with demand for the company's range of chain products particularly strong from manufacturers and users of forklift trucks and conveyor systems in Malaysia and the USA. Just four years ago, the company said that exports accounted for less than 20 per cent of its sales. The company's managing director, Peter Church (pictured), who has been instrumental in driving the export initiative, commented: "The strength of the pound does not make life any easier for UK-based companies looking to develop overseas markets – particularly the Euro bloc, but we are operating globally and we have worked hard to rationalise our supply chain to ensure that we are competitive across a range of territories. We are reaping the benefits of this approach." As part of its ongoing commitment to achieve greater costs efficiencies within its manufacturing process, FB has recently invested nearly £300,000 in new production machinery at its Letchworth plant.