AN alloy wheel protection firm is set for expansion in Redditch.
AlloyGator Ltd, the UK designer and manufacturer of the patented alloy wheel protection system ‘AlloyGator’ has expanded into new premises as it continues to grow its reach globally.
The business has moved from Studley to a 6,796 sq ft warehouse and office space unit at 61 Heming Road, Redditch on a seven year lease with the help of property agents John Truslove and is currently looking to add to its 15-strong workforce by recruiting local talent.
Since trading commenced in March 2010, sales revenue has doubled year on year with a key deal being signed recently worth an additional £10 million over the next five years for supply to the US market.
The firm’s product is stocked in around 400 outlets across the UK and the business has established distributors in more than 25 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. There are multiple patents worldwide.
A family concern, it is headed by managing director Curt Rathbone and his father Chris, research and development director.
The idea came to Curt, then in the packing business, when he scuffed the alloy wheels on his company car and began researching the sector.
After discussing the need for such a product with his father, together, they came up with the design in 2005.
The system, which vastly reduces the risk of wheel damage, was named Auto Express “Best Product of the Year” in 2013 after beating 750 other products.
“We like to think we are quite a success story locally,” said Curt.
Endorsed by motoring writer and TV presenter Quentin Willson, a set of four AlloyGators retails at £59.94 and comes in a range of colours.
