As friction stay maker Cotswold Architectural Products begins a new chapter in its history, long-serving employee Tim Ferkin has been appointed as Managing Director.
Tim, who joined the business in 2002, had risen through the ranks to become General Manager by the time it was acquired by Caldwell UK in 2014.
He then spent the next eight years in various senior roles across the wider Caldwell group, most recently as Market Development Director, where he led the establishment of Caldwell South-East Asia.
However, in June this year, Caldwell’s owners announced that they would be disposing of the business by selling it to Assa Abloy.
Despite this, they will be retaining control of the Cotswold brand, which will become an independent business not owned by Assa Abloy.
Tim was quickly appointed Cotswold’s new Managing Director.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be leading Cotswold into an exciting new phase in its history,” Tim commented.
“I’ve been passionate about this business since I first joined in 2002, and as its MD, I’ll be seeking to build on its global reputation for excellence and innovation.
“Cotswold is the largest independent friction stay manufacturer in Europe, and the only business of its kind to totally own its supply chain, giving us unparalleled control over quality, and allowing us to offer the best possible service to our customers.
“I’m also extremely pleased to be joined by Ian Greaves, our new finance director, who also previously worked at Caldwell, and will form a crucial part of our highly experienced management team.”
In 1976, Cotswold became the very first British business to manufacture friction stays. Today, the company has factories in the UK and India and supplies quality friction stays to 56 countries around the world.