Dutch company Van Os Medical is the latest firm to choose Escrick Business Park as headquarters for its UK business.
The move secures jobs for its current UK team and could provide additional job opportunities in the future as the 16m Euro turnover company plans to expand its UK operation by up to 40% in 2010.
The family-run firm manufactures rehabilitation equipment at its own factory in China and has distribution and marketing operations in Holland, Belgium, France and Taiwan. It sells via distributors across the rest of Europe.
Until 2007 Van Os supplied the UK market via third party distributors before setting up its own logistics and distribution operation in temporary accommodation in Selby.
The decision to buy premises at Escrick reaffirms Van Os’ commitment to the UK market which MD René Van Os estimates is growing at between 4-5% per year.
“We have a wide product range primarily designed for the elderly and those with mobility issues. We supply on contract to the NHS and supply hire chairs to Tesco stores. We sell direct to major retailers and via a network of independent mobility retailers across the UK and Ireland,” he says.
“With a business which sells on service and quality rather than on price, having the right presence in the UK is vital. Our new warehousing unit at Escrick very much reflects our ‘quality’ philosophy.”
René, who now heads up the business established by his father in 1971, acknowledges that the pound/euro exchange rate added to the appeal of the impressive business unit at York-developer S Harrison’s successful business park which has seen ten businesses take up residence there in the past 18 months.
“The park has a great feel about it. Image matters and the office and warehousing units are well-built, well-finished and represent excellent value – all things which echo our own business philosophy. From here we can easily distribute across the UK. We’re very happy to be here.”
Initially Van Os has bought a 2,150 sq ft unit at Escrick Business Park with office space built in and space to hold and distribute stock shipped weekly from the Group’s logistics HQ in Rotterdam. The firm has the option to create a second storey within the 6 metre eaves height unit or acquire another of the few remaining units on the site, as the operation expands.
Scott Crabtree, who heads the UK team says:
“It’s an exciting move and creates the perfect platform for the expansion of the business in the next few years. Easy road access from Escrick across the rest of Yorkshire and beyond, with excellent commuting links with the Netherlands, make it the ideal base.”
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