Van crisis leads firm to healthly changes

R&M Metal Finishing used to rely on West Midlands van maker LDV for around 12 per cent of its business.

Its crisis became a major headache for scores of companies in the region who were left with emptying order books.

At R&M Metal Finishing, orders from LDV and other motor companies dropped by 50 per cent. But by keeping a steady nerve and diversifying , it is determined to see through the recession and come out stronger.

The finishing and painting parts firm, based in the Old Forge Trading Estate in Dudley Road, Lye, is hoping the rescue package recently implemented at LDV means things are looking up once again.

Ironically it is the swine flu crisis that has helped it survive the economic crisis.

It has recently moved into work on medical supplies, increasing its sales of air purifying systems which are bought in the hope that they will combat the disease.

Directors Mike Rogers and Ricky Hunt joined the finishing firm in 1999, taking over as directors in 2003.

There are 29 employed at the site, where manufacturing has been going on since 1902.

They say that around 70 to 75 per cent of their work comes from the automotive trade.

They have carried out contracts for a string of high profile manufacturers including Aston Martin and Toyota.

When LDV was on the brink of collapse, Mr Rogers said business dried up overnight – but he is still confident the firm can make it through this tough time.

He said: "You have all these orders one day and the next, the company is trying to shed all their remaining parts and no more orders come in. It happens that fast – literally overnight.

"But we have moved into other markets and are now working with white goods and some medical supplies."

Mr Rogers hopes his new contracts with medical suppliers in the wake of the swine flu panic will carry the company through.

Mr Rogers said: "We are determined to make a success of this business and will do whatever it takes."