NEWS

November 2007 - Karen Evans Joins MTB

Karen joins the team as our Finance Manager

karen Evans Joined MTB on the 12th November as Finance manager. Karen is a fully qualified accountant with many years experience working in a manufacturing environment. Karen will strengthen our team, taking day to day control of all accounting functions. She will become a key member of our new management team as the business develops into new business areas.

September 2007 - MTB introduce two new team members

We are delighted to announce the addition to the team of Karen Davies and Holly Robinson

Karen joins the team as our Administration and Facilities Co-Coordinator.

Her aim is to ensure the office runs as smoothly as possible and deals with all aspects of the general day to day running. Previously working for a local estate agent she has accepted the new challenge to work with MTB. Married to Mike with 2 children Karen is sure to keep us all on the straight and narrow. We are delighted to have her on board..........

Holly joins the team as our Quality Co-ordinator.

This newly created role aims to focus on improving supplier quality, responding to customer needs and monitoring the development of ISO. Holly is a keen and enthusiastic member to the team and is delighted to utilise her knowledge in industrial design. Joining us after studying A-levels, Holly loves all types of music, and can be regularly found catching up with NME. We are also delighted to welcome Holly to the team

July 2007 - MTB Announcement – Company Restructure

In a recent deal Managing Director, John Mainwaring has completed the purchase of all FAINSA shares that were held in MTB Equipment.

In the deal completed in May 2007, John Mainwaring now is the majority share holder in MTB Equipment.

At the same time, MTB Equipment has been awarded the manufacturing, distribution and service licence for all FAINSA products in UK and Ireland. This new commercial relationship will allow the company to continue the manufacture and distribution of products like “Punt” and “Gala”. It will also grant us access to new and exciting seats that will secure the future growth and security in the UK market.

John Mainwaring will now re-focus his direction onto the strategic development of the company, including new product development, possible new market opportunities.

April 2007 - Stanford Coachworks Chooses Gala Sprinter Seats

MTB Equipment is delighted to announce the delivery of the Gala Recliners to Essex Based, Stanford Coachworks.

16 place Stallion Grey leather seats with Silver Grey piping has been delivered to a vehicle that was later demonstrated at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2007.

Commenting on the vehicle, Stanford Coachwork’s Jess Ryder said, “The Gala seat is our choice for Top of the range luxury. We are really delighted with this Sprinter vehicle.”

March 2007 - Gala Recliner - Now available with the Comfort Seat Belt System

After long developments, we are delighted to announce the availability of “Comfort All Ages Seat Belt System” on the Gala Recliner Seat.

This optional accessory perfectly positions the diagonal strap across the shoulder of the passenger no matter the height or age and ensures absolute comfort and safety at all times.

The “Comfort All Ages Belt System” can even be fitted on new orders but also has been designed to fit onto existing Gala models already in service in the UK.

Please contact MTB to arrange a quotation for the specific belt.

February 2007 - Gala Recliner - Now available with Child Restraint System - ISOFIX

The Gala Recliner Seat is now available with ISOFIX Child restraint system as a optional accessory. ISOFIX stands for "International Standards Organisation FIX". It is a standard for installing child seats into vehicles, which is intended to make fitting child seats quick and simple.

After successful testing, The GALA seat is now fully compliant to Child Restraint Directive R44.03

The ISOFIX system is available now and can be fitted to new and existing Gala models already in service. Please call MTB Equipment for all details and pricing.

January 2007 - Gala Recliner supplied on Plaxton Tri-Axle Vehicles

We are delighted to announce the supply of 45 sets of Gala 935mm model seats on the Plaxton / Volvo 15 metre Tri Axle Euro 4’s. Specified by Stagecoach.

Commenting on the deal, Mark Carter said “The Gala’s clever design optimises interior space for the passenger on this 15mtr long vehicle. Whilst the vehicles are designed to for high capacity routes, the feeling inside the vehicles is one of space and comfort. We are delighted with the decision to choose Gala seats.”

November 2006 - Expo Coach 2006

Mark Carter and Debbie Gregory photographed at this November's stand at Expo Coach 2006 in Birmingham.

This year's show was extremely successful, and we look forward to seeing you at next year's exhibition.

October 2006 - Tony Berrington

MTB are sad to announce the departure of Tony Berrington, Director of our Rail operations. As one of the three founder members of MTB Equipment back in 1982, his active contribution to the success and growth of the company have been very well documented. After establishing regular orders in the UK Coach market in the early 80’s, Tony led the company into the UK Rail Market with supply of Class 309’s “Clacton Express” seats to BREL in 1983/84, a steady supply of Rail orders followed including seating for Class 158, 159 and Class 323. Tony also helped pioneer the refurbishment of 313, 319, Mark 2 Carriages and in 2004-2006 directed the project to refurbish of 27 Eurostar trains.

Tony leaves the company with a solid foothold in the UK Rail market and his contributions will be sadly missed.

On the changes Tony Berrington commented : “Although it was a difficult decision for me to make after 25 years in the Transport Industry, the family and I decided not to relocate to Deeside. I retain my interest in MTB and wish the company continued success in the Transport Industry.”

April 2006 - New seats for East Lancs "Esteem"

MTB Equipment is delighted to announce the supply of PUNT Version 7.0 seating to the New East Lancs "Esteem" Vehicle. Developed with the latest 3D drawing technology, we were able to produce complicated cantilever systems and seat spacing to ensure the best passenger comfort.

Commenting upon the seating East Lancs Sales Director, Mr John Horn said, "The futuristic styling of the PUNT range complimented the very modern interior we wanted to achieve on our "Esteem" vehicle.  East Lancs worked very closely with MTB and Fainsa on this project,  they were able to deliver us a lightweight, stylish seat, that perfectly meet our requirements."

February 2006 - New contract for PUNT seats

MTB Equipment is delighted to announce the supply of the complete PUNT range of passenger seating on the new Plaxton Centro vehicle.

After extensive homologation testing the PUNT can also be supplied with 2 point and 3 point seat belts on the Centro.

The first demonstration vehicle as photographed was supplied with all accessories possible including various armrests options, removeable covers, colomn holders and corner Grabhandles.

Bus & Coach General Manager Mark Carter commented…” we were delighted to get involved with Plaxton on this new project. Our knowledge surrounding seat belt testing and our in house test facility made it an easy for them to choose the PUNT seat.

October 2005 - Major contract award for PUNT seats

A major 2005/06 contract has been awarded by London United for the Punt 1.0 seats. Operating from the Hounslow depot the seat is fitted to the East Lancs body with Scania chassis.

July 2005 - Launch of the New Punt Seat Range

Building on the success of the Cosmic range of seats, MTB Equipment is proud to introduce the new PUNT range of seats. Punt 1,0 with top Grabhandle, Punt 5.0 with moulded headrest and Punt 7.0 with trimmed headrest ensures the operator has a range of options suitable to accommodate any type of service.

Commenting on this Mark Carter says, “… we are really excited to introduce the PUNT seat. Our aim was to give superior comfort to Bus travelling public without compromising on cost, durability and weight. With a big range of accessories including 3 point seat belts, we are really confident that the seat will be really well received into the UK market…..”

January 2005 - Launch of the New Gala Coach Seat

Utilising all the experience from the widely used Gaudi recliner in Europe, the Gala seat is now the next generation of superbly comfortable reclining seats offered by FAINSA / MTB. Offering a multitude of brand new features like space between seat seated places without compromising aisle width, automatic recline system, dis-appearing armrests and centre consoles and market leading safety and testing, the Gala seat is set to become the most revolutionary seat in the passenger market.

Commenting on this Marc Vidal Export Manager for FAINSA says, “..we are delighted to introduce the Gala range of seats to the UK. Years of design and development have gone into this seat. We are very proud to introduce the Gala to the growing range of FAINSA products in the UK…”

June 2004 - Completion of the Chester Factory

The build of the Chester Facility is now completed and the programme of introducing staff and machinery start in earnest. The introduction of pneumatic jigs will ease handling and increase quality of assembly, whilst the purchase of a 14 metre lay table and automated lay machine increases the efficiencies of manufacture. Expected to employ a further 30 staff to the companies growing.

Commenting on this John Mainwaring says, “This is the start of a new era for MTB with production commencing at our new purpose built facility.”

January 2004 - Building of the New MTB Factory Chester

In an effort to meet with the increasing order books from both Bus & Coach and Rail orders, a 2-acre site has been purchased to design a purpose built seat manufacturing facility for UK Bus & Coach Division. Operating the company for 2 sites the MTB Rail division is to continue manufacturing in Milton Keynes so that when the new factory is completed the total production floor space on both sites will increase from 17,000 to 37,000 sq feet with the opportunity to expand a further 20,000 sq feet of manufacturing floor space. Completion is predicted to be in August 2005.

Commenting on this John Mainwaring said, “…. This is an historic time for MTB Equipment, the awarding of the Eurostar contract and continued successes in the Bus & Coach market have presented us with the unique opportunity to develop the business and secure our future opportunities..…”