Earlex's Success leads to appointment of new MD

Steam Wallpaper Stripper manufacturer, Earlex, has appointed Colin Webber as new Managing Director as founder, Julian Basely, takes the chairman’s role after nearly 18 years at the company helm. The appointment reflects the company’s rapid expansion and transition from domestic to global markets, with group turnover of £22m in 2004.

Having started out supplying steam wallpaper strippers to the DIY retailers, Earlex moved quickly to establish itself as brand leader in power decorating tools. During this time the company also successfully took over and revived flagging brands, Clarke Cable and Ewbank (the ubiquitous carpet sweeper). In recent months the company has used its technology to develop new areas with the launch of its Nuress Tanning System.

Colin joins from Northern Foods and previously Hillsdown plc and brings expertise in spring boarding businesses to a larger operational scale. Commenting on his appointment he said, “The opportunities for the brands in the UK and overseas markets are huge and exciting. There is a lot to do in a tough and competitive trading environment, but the workforce here at Earlex has exceptional skill and commitment.”

Continued Colin, “Our main challenges will be to build awareness of our brands with consumers and at the same time deliver profitable and innovative solutions to our own customers”.