Coatings firm plan to double in size

May 9 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A METAL coatings company which applied the finishing touches to Alan Shearer’s security fencing is set to double in size following a management buy-out.

Gateshead firm AMD Specialist Coatings was bought out by managing director Steve Davis after he secured debt financing from NEL Fund Managers, which the new sole-owner will use to launch a new marketing campaign through a new website and company brochure.

Mr Davis, who bought the remaining half of the firm from a silent partner, hopes the undisclosed sum will help him hit the £1m mark by 2009 as well as get his 14-strong workforce up to 20 in the same period.

The firm, set up eight years ago by Mr Davis, applies its specialist protective coatings to signs from a range of companies, such as Washington-based electric vehicle business The Tanfield Group, and has even applied it to security fencing at the homes of the rich and famous, including the legendary Newcastle United number nine’s address near Ponteland.

The cash boost follows a busy period for AMD, which has recently finished sign coating work for Whitley Bay newsagent group Mills as well as spraying the new main sign at Newcastle International Airport.

Mr Davis said: “We have put the finishing touches to a lot of signs in the North East and for a wide range of different clients.

“We are now in a position where we can grow the company and see this marketing campaign as a key ingredient.

“Now that the buy-out has been completed, we are keen to implement our growth plans. Both the brochure and website are going to help us reach our current and potential customers.” The firm has also invested in improving its facilities and has added a hi-tech blasting machine that ensures metal work is clear of contaminates before the special coating is added.

Simon Johnson, senior investment executive with Gateshead-based NEL, said: “We were keen to work with Steve as he’s a businessman who always strives to take his company one step further, never settling for a plateau.”