Bristol-based automotive engineering and manufacturing business Avon Group is gearing up for significant expansion after completing a rigorous supplier audit from luxury car brand Bentley Motors.
The group’s automotive division AER Stafford satisfied the demanding standards set by Bentley after investing heavily in new manufacturing equipment, quality monitoring procedures and staff training.
The successful audit outcome will not only open doors to contracts with Bentley but, potentially, to its sister companies in the Volkswagen Group.
AER Stafford, which has its plant, pictured, in Cannock, Staffs, makes a range of parts for car manufacturers, including seals, mouldings and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and foam air ducts.
The wider Avon Group works with many high-performance vehicle manufacturers to develop and manufacture components that enable them to improve fuel efficiency, increase electric range and vehicle comfort as well as meeting increasingly demanding environmental standards.
AER Stafford managing director Charles Bamford said: “This is an absolute game-changer for our business.
“Whilst we already work with many leading automotive original equipment manufacturers, to be an approved supplier to Bentley and to the wider VW group is a huge endorsement of our commitment to the highest manufacturing standards and quality of service.
“We are also really excited to be working with Bentley to support it in its mission to become the most sustainable luxury automotive brand in the world.”
Avon Group, which was established in 1979 as Avon Gasket Manufacturing, initially to make a range of gaskets, seals, joints and washers, is now the largest manufacturer of aerosol valve and stem gasket seals in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
The privately owned, £80m turnover group, which is headquartered on South Liberty Lane, Ashton Vale, is made up of eight companies based around the UK. It also has a sales, technical and distribution base in the US.
