1 HYTEC WAY, BROUGH, EAST YORKSHIRE, HU15 1UD

10 February 2012

TractAir Ltd has taken an additional 19,000 sq m of manufacturing and office space next to its existing base in Hytec Way. The move has been prompted by an increase in demand for its innovative products, with the firm enjoying double digit sales growth last year. The company has also enjoyed dramtic growth in its export business with more than 90% of its products now going overseas.

Managing director David Constantine said “At a time when the world is seeing a downturn in demand, we are very fortunate that we are in a market sector that is still seeing growth year on year. We are also particularly lucky that suitable premises became available next door to us at a time when we have been winning new contracts with major international tractor manufacturers. TractAir is now supplying to new markets, including Russia, from which we are receiving new enquiries on a regular basis. The extra manufacturing and office space will enable the company to grow as the business increases in years to come”

TractAir was founded in 1985 by Marin Constantine to design, build and Install pneumatic and hydraulic brake systems for tractor manufacturer’s dealers and end users. Beginning with a focus on the UK market, the firms first customers included Massey Ferguson in Coventry, and Case international and McCormick in Doncaster. Back then, only about 5 per cent of the firms products were exported. However the company’s innovative designs saw it quickly become a leader in its field, and over the next few years, TractAir worked increasingly for major manufacturers at home and overseas, including CNH in North and South America, Landini in Italy, and John Deere in the US.

There is also a joint sales and marketing initiative just getting under way in Africa and the Middle East with Massey Ferguson. Today, the company works with importers and distributors of tractors throughout Europe, and with the spare parts divisions of original equipment manufacturers. Sales director Nick Constantine said global demand for efficiently grown, low cost food, coupled with increasing requirements for more powerful and sophisticated agricultural vehicles had led to a significant growth in business over the past two years. He said “the market in general is picking up further as farmers are driving bigger, faster, more sophisticated and heavier tractors and trailers on public highways. There is now also growing awareness that in order to drive these much heavier and faster machines they must have the stopping power to meet existing braking efficiencies. Drivers want to feel safe and it is important the vehicle can stop safely which is where our products come in – air brake systems being more powerful than conventional hydraulic brakes with added fail safe features. Last year we saw double digit growth in sales and now with new contracts coming from customers such as CNH and John Deere, I am sure we will see similar growth this year, which will mean additional staff will be required. Amid all the doom and gloom in the press about the state of the economy, it is great news that a local company is expanding”

Ben Medhurst, partner at PPH Commercial negotiated the sale on behalf of the previous owners. He said “The transaction was not straight forward, but thanks to a pragmatic approach by all parties, the sale has now formally completed. I would like to wish TractAir the very best of luck in this new building.”

Published in the Hull Daily Mail