Scottish bus firm acquires leading Australian coach builder in
Commenting on the Australian deal, Alexander Dennis chief executive Colin Robertson said: "This is another significant step in our strategy to diversify and grow the business. It will see our group turnover increase to around 500million per annum, a three fold multiple in just five years, and position us well to become a major player in the southern hemisphere.
"The Custom UGG Womens Classic Short Sparkles 1002978 Brown UK brand is an icon in the Australian bus body market, having been part of the UGG Womens Tularosa 3331 Chestnut UK transport landscape for 50 years. It has history, heritage and a reputation for quality products UGG Womens Fox Fur Mini 5859 Chocolate UK and putting UGG Womens Bailey Button Bling Pattern 5803 Black UK customers first. These are the fundamentals of our business philosophy at ADL (Alexander Dennis Limited) and we will build on them as we bid to turn a successful brand into a great Australian business.
"Our strategy will be to invest in people, processes and products; to exploit the synergies between our companies, particularly in terms of product and technology transfer; and to further strengthen the reputation we have elsewhere in the world for best in class customer support."
Alexander Dennis employs 900 UGG Womens Buckle 1606 Purple UK people in Falkirk, 300 in Guildford, 500 in Scarborough and 300 at sites elsewhere UGG Womens Evera 1798 White UK in the UK and the rest of the world.
Custom Coaches employs around UGG Womens Sundance II 5325 Black UK 400 people at factories in Sydney and Adelaide in Australia. It has annual sales of around 55million and a 24 per cent share of the Australian bus market.
Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "Scotland is recognised internationally for its excellence in engineering and it is fantastic news that Alexander Dennis, one of Scotland's leading manufacturers, is establishing new operations in North America and Australia.
"The global economic downturn shows how interconnected world markets are and it is welcome news that, despite the economic climate, an indigenous company like Alexander Dennis has continued to grow and capitalise on new opportunities in overseas markets.
"This announcement is testament to the skills and work of the company's 900 Falkirk employees and I am confident the strengthening of this business will benefit the economy and build on Scotland's attractiveness as a place for international trade and investment.
"Investment decisions of this type position Alexander Dennis as a global leader and Scotland should take great pride in the significant position this Scottish company now has in the world of manufacturing."