The worldwide credit crunch had a severe effect on the business early on in 2008. Export sales were hit hard – both by volume of sales and with the ever rising dollar damaging profitability. This experience forced them to really “dig deep” and draw on experience to carry their business through.
“We worked hard on developing more markets” Dougal explains. “As well as pursuing other opportunities –like contract-manufacturing for other companies.”
The market for Rotowiper products is worldwide, but being a small company it has been a real challenge reaching these export markets.
“We presently have distributors in Australia, USA, England, Ireland, Chile, South Africa and recently delivered our first unit into Japan,” Dougal adds. “Over the years, many units have also been sent to other countries such as Holland, Uruguay and Germany. France is our next country of interest and we believe there are huge possibilities there.”
He says they have also invested in new technology – such as installing Zinc Ark spray technology so that they can do contract work for customers.
“This is an advanced alternative to hot dip galvanizing with some very great benefits. We see this as another avenue of income to give us greater security for the future,” Dougal says. “We already have a shot blasting and painting facility with a very loyal customer base. We believe the Zinc Ark Spraying will enhance this part of our business.
During 2009, they established – along with an outside partner – a second company; Mouldings Unlimited SI Ltd, which is a plastic rotational moulding business. This company is primarily a contract manufacturing business, but it also manufactures a small range of products which they direct market. Rotowiper Ltd is one of the moulding company’s key customers and it manufactures all the tanks for Rotowiper.
“Originally there were five people working for Rotowiper Ltd and this has now grown to seven – with two more in the Moulding company giving a total staff of nine,” Dougal adds. “The end result has seen the company survive and grow during these times.”
