The Peterborough-based company, with offices in Mitcham and both Canada and the USA, has taken steps not only to remove some previously held misconceptions, but also to expoit its growing presence in a range of new markets.
The most immediate change is the removal of the word ‘fireworks’ from the company name; from now on it will face the industry simply as Le Maitre Ltd. In the UK, Rick Wilson will continue as sales director, working in the company’s more traditional markets, whilst director Karen Haddon will concentrate on the contracts side of the business, developing Le Maitre’s presence in the touring and production markets. Display manager Richard Huffam will service clients on the contracts side, whilst Steve Ramos becomes UK sales manager and Sam Samkin will look for new clients on the events and displays side.
The changes are designed to stimulate further business for the company - a move that has already been given some impetus by the success of the Prostage II pyrotechnic system. Its launch has gained it a higher profile in the burgeoning theme park and leisure markets, particularly in growth regions such as South America and the Far East. These trends have been complemented by steady growth in other sectors.
To facilitate further expansion, the company has recently acquired the unit adjoining its head office in Peterborough - in so doing doubling its current space at the site. This is the first part of a £500,000 investment programme that will not only see new technology coming online, but new faces added to the company’s R&D and technical departments. The company has also recently updated its Safety Manual (Code of Practice) and such has been its effectiveness, that the Health & Safety Executive are using Le Maitre as a template for other companies.
To coincide with the changes in the UK, the company has also been raising its profile in the US markets and has backed this up with a $1.5million investment programme. The move to build new business on the touring side in the UK will be mirrored in the US, where Le Maitre is working to establish stronger ties with production companies.
