Watts of Lydney Group Ltd. - Introduction

Introduction

High Street
Lydney
GL15 5DB
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1594 847100
Fax: 44 1594 847401
Web site: http://www.wattsonline.co.uk

Private Company
Incorporated: 1880
Employees: 655
Sales: £60 million ($104 million) (2002 est.)
NAIC: 326211 Tire Manufacturing (Except Retreading); 325212 Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing; 423130 Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers; 423830 Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers; 441110 New Car Dealers; 441310 Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores; 447110 Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores; 531190 Lessors of Other Real Estate Property; 551112 Offices of Other Holding Companies; 811111 General Automotive Repair

Watts of Lydney Group Ltd. is the holding company for a group of businesses predominantly focused on the production of industrial and specialist tires for the aviation, materials handling, and related markets. The company's main tire production subsidiary is Watts Industrial Tyres, which produces a wide range of industrial tires, including both solid and pneumatic tires, as well as puncture proofing systems, wheels, tire fitting presses, and the like. This company operates a small production site in Lydney, England, where the company was founded, but has shifted the bulk of its production to joint ventures in Sri Lanka, China, and Brazil. Watts Industrial accounts for approximately one-third of the group's sales, which topped £60 million ($104 million) in 2002. Watts Aviation is responsible for the group's production of aviation and aircraft tires and tubes, including for commercial and corporate aircraft. Watts Polymers is a leading producer of rubber compounds for use in the OEM and retread sectors. Watts Truck & Van Centres specializes in sales of DAF Trucks and LDV vans. The company also owns Watts Urethane, a manufacturer of castable polyurethane-based products, including squeegees. Another subsidiary is Watts Plysolene, which produces polycarbonate sheeting, insulation materials, and other specialist waterproofing materials for the construction industry. Privately held Watts remains controlled by the founding Watts family, under the leadership of John Thurston, chairman, Cecil Watts, director, and Melville Watts, president.