Jobs boost as firm motors ahead

The company, whose range of products includes car mats, seat covers and boot liners, started in 2009 with three members of staff at a 1,000 square foot warehouse in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Over the past six years, it has expanded to a team of 20 and now sells around 100,000 units per year at its base in Kings Mill Way, Mansfield, which is ten times larger than its original home.

Managing director Mark Ryan, who co-founded the business in 2009, said he was “astounded” by its growth. The firm is on track for a £1.5 million turnover this year, after turning over £150,000 in its first year of trading.

Mark said: “It’s a very exciting time for the business when we set it up, we didn’t expect the growth and volume we are on now.

“I think we need to expand by another 10,000 square feet, so we are looking to take on the adjacent premises. We also foresee another ten members of staff this year.”

He added that he was also looking to take on a digital marketing and social media apprentice, and an apprentice to join the manufacturing team: “I started my career as an apprentice. If we can get someone straight out of school who is very keen to learn, then an apprenticeship is a good start for them.”

Mr Ryan hopes the firm’s recent purchase of one of its biggest customers, www.carmats-uk.com, will add to its success this year. He said: “It’s great because we have effectively eliminated a competitor . It allows us another platform to sell our products on.”

Premier Products is also expanding its range of products to include car covers and “portable” car garages this year and hopes to start exporting to Europe.

Mr Ryan added: “Once we start, we will find out what accessories are required in those places and we can start to manufacture them.

Product development manager Jane Green has been with the company for four years, having started as a machinist.

She said: “When I first started, if we did 25 car mats per day we were doing brilliantly. Now we are manufacturing around 200-250 per day. To get into Europe would be massive for us. It would open so many doors for the company.”