HE may only have been in the post for a relatively short period of time, but Mark Podmore, managing director of Ford, has certainly made an impact.
Well-known in the region, Ford Aerospace Ltd and Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd specialise in the precision machining and pressing of components and assemblies for a range of industries including aerospace, defence and industrial markets.
Having been established in South Tyneside since 1910, Ford currently operates from two sites; Port of Tyne, South Shields, and Monkton Business Park, Hebburn.
With the business now in its 101st year, times are changing, as MD Mark and chair man Geoff Ford continue to take both companies from strength to strength, after coming through the same economic downturn which has seen many companies flounder.
Mark joined Ford Aerospace Ltd and Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd as operations director late in 2009, but by April of this year was confirmed as the managing director of both companies.
The 42-year-old has put 25 years, experience gained from the aerospace, automotive, defence and other high-technology market sectors to great use building Ford’s profile, prospects and product range on a global level.
With a string of awards already under their belt this year – including the Culture for Success Award to recognise the recent change in organisational culture Mark has implemented, and the Gateway to Global Growth trophy presented at this year’s prestigious Exporter Awards – the inspirational MD now has his sights firmly on increasing the company’s export potential.
It is a strategy which goes hand in hand with Ford’s well-established ‘easipeel’ brand of laminate shim stock and its two new products, ‘plasipeel’ and ‘edgepeel’.
Launched in July 2011 at the International Paris Air Show, the new range offers non-metallic laminate shim stock, supplied in a variety of materials, bespoke to customer requirements.
The range has generated considerable interest overseas with orders already secured from France and China.
With a firm grip on the European market, Mark has turned Ford’s attention to Asia and South America.
“We have already appointed an agent in India and we are represented by two agents in China.
“To date our penetration of the Chinese market has been incredibly successful.
“In the last 18 months we have won £250k worth of work resulting in us recruiting more engineers in order to fulfil demand.
“Next stop, South America,” said Mark.
A great boost to his plans came courtesy of a national competition organised by Santander to be allocated a place on a trade mission to Brazil.
Seizing the opportunity for an all-expenses- paid spot, Mark applied for Ford Aerospace to be selected and was delighted when they received one of just a handful of places.
“The South American aerospace industry is a flourishing market and one which could prove incredibly lucrative to Ford.
“Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, are currently the world’s fifth largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft and are number one or two in the world for business jets.
“The trade mission will allow Ford to meet with potential new customers, agents and distributors in this growing market which will hopefully lead to further new business and job creation.”
The trade mission is due to take place in November, though unfortunately Mark won’t be able to participate as he’ll be on another trade mission to China.
Summing up the future of Ford as becoming leaner, meaner and greener, Mark adds that exciting times lie ahead with an announcement due shortly on further plans for expansion, investment and recruitment.