Vincent Bootes intends to transform car parts manufacturer Tolwood Techologies into a world leader. Deputy Business Editor Kate Bowman talks to him about his plans to expand the company's customer base, attract £2m of business in the coming months and increase sales by 30 per cent.

WHEN Vincent Bootes bought the Tolwood half of Vickers Pressing Tolwood Automotive (VPTA) out of administration less than a fortnight ago, all 125 employees breathed a sigh of relief.

Not only had their jobs been saved, but Vincent pledged to turn the troubled automotive components manufacturer around, promising more work, new customers, additional jobs and expansion.

On October 18, the company, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, severed all links with Vickers Pressings, which it had merged with less than a year ago, and was renamed Tolwood Technologies.

During the past 12 days, Vincent has been working with the team to draw up a two-year business strategy, which includes plans to win contracts and open the company up to the European market.

The father-of-two said: "UK manufacturing needs a shot in the arm and my message to everybody is that if we have the opportunity to grow sales, then investment will follow.

"And with investment and support, there is nothing to stop us becoming a world-class supplier.

"In the back of our minds we are hoping that, with the support of the local authorities and agencies, we can grow and tap into activities in Europe. Car production in Europe is huge. While we are supporting two or three big players in the UK, there are a lot more in Europe."

Vincent has worked with Tolwood for 15 years as a supplier and says his knowledge of the company allowed him to see its full potential.

"Tolwood is a big player in the automotive industry, but its good reputation has suffered over the past year or two. The challenge now is to put right what I have seen going wrong for a long time," he says.

Tolwood merged with Newcastle company Vickers Pressings early this year to form VPTA. In February, bosses announced plans to increase sales, double turnover and increase staff numbers.

However, on October 21, VPTA went into administration with the subsequent loss of 14 jobs - 12 at Newton Aycliffe and two at Newcastle.

Vincent announced he had bought Tolwood on November 17, followed last Thursday by news that Vickers had been bought by Birmingham-based Widney, safeguarding more than 170 jobs in the region.

Vincent said: "Tolwood now needs to grow and it has the potential to grow here in the North-East. Nissan is one of our biggest customers. While the relationship suffered during the time the company was in administration, we will continue to support them at the very highest level.

"We want to increase business with all our existing customers and, with my contacts, open the door to new business as well. We want everyone on our books.

"Together with the company, I have also bought the four-acre freehold site and so there is the possibility of expanding the floor space as the business grows."

Vincent hopes to bring in £2m of new business in the first quarter and believes there is potential to increase the present sales of £15m by 30 per cent during the next two years.

He says growth will only be achieved by addressing product quality, setting performance targets and achieving costs.

"New business will be won based on delivery and price and that will develop Tolwood into a world leader," he said.

"Of course, that could not be achieved without the hard-working and loyal workforce that Tolwood already has. They are ready for a challenge. They are delighted that their jobs have been saved and that Tolwood is going to be here for a very long time."

Darren Ellis, Tolwood's general manager, worked for the company for more than 17 years, before it went into administration.

He said: "It was a testing time for everybody. I think people were shocked and they feared for their jobs, particularly because it was the run-up to Christmas. Everybody was concerned about what was going to happen.

"Employees are now very enthusiastic about the future, especially with the contacts and expertise that Vincent and the team can bring to the company. We are seeing a bright future for Tolwood and looking forward to growing."

Eight jobs will have been created at Tolwood by Christmas, with Mark Saul already appointed as financial director.