Triton showered with expansion options
The managing director of manufacturing business Triton Showers has told Insider that the company is “always looking at opportunities to expand into other markets and acquire other businesses”. However, Lorna Fellowes added that in today’s austere business environment, the Nuneaton-based company needs to “stick to what it does best”.
Fellowes spoke to Insider as the company, which is the UK’s biggest shower manufacturer, celebrated its 35th birthday.
She said the ever-growing company, which currently employs more than 400 staff, has moved from a “small business mentality, to the mentality of a bigger firm” over the three decades in which it has traded.
“Competition is increasing in every sector,” said Fellowes, who joined Triton as head of marketing in 1992. “The financial situation that we find ourselves in as a country gives challenges to any businesses. But as a company, Triton adapts very well to changing circumstances very speedily.”
Fellowes also said that despite the company’s success throughout the economic turndown, Triton would not be making any immediate acquisitions.
“We are always looking at opportunities to expand into new markets and to acquire other businesses, but we’re in a very unpredictable market. We need to stick to what we’re good at.
“We don’t want to stretch ourselves too thin, and won’t be expanding in any way immediately.
“Our philosophy has always been to keep one eye on the future - continuing to invest in the business, our people and products, so that we are able to weather any storm and emerge in a stronger position.
“Last year, when the economy was at its toughest, Triton’s production and employee levels increased at a time when other Midlands’ companies are shrinking theirs.”
Fellowes was joined by Marcus Jones, MP for Nuneaton, as the company celebrated 35 years of businesses. Jones joined the managing director on a tour of the Nuneaton facility, in which about 350 of the staff are based.
He said: “As one of the largest employers in the area, Triton has a special place in the heart of the community. To see it going from strength to strength, when so many other businesses have been adversely affected by the current recession, is a massive achievement and credit to Nuneaton.”
