Bedminster-based Avon Group is aiming to expand its global reach in 2026
A Bristol-headquartered engineering and manufacturing business has bolstered its leadership team with a trio of appointments. Avon Group said the new hires would help as the company aims to expand its global reach and break through the £100m sales barrier for the first time.
Stephen Thomas has been promoted from Avon Group sales and purchasing director to joint managing director alongside Mark Rushin.
The appointment is personal progress for Mr Thomas who has spent 30-plus years in the industry and was previously managing director of Wellingborough-based Foam Techniques.
Following Mr Thomas’s appointment, Greg Smith has taken over as Avon Group sales director, while Vince Minchella has been promoted from commercial manager to managing director of Avon Engineered Rubber – one of the multi-faceted Avon Group’s nine complementary companies.
Mr Thomas said: “I’m honoured to have been handed this fantastic opportunity to help lead Avon Group which has earned a tremendous reputation as it’s gone from strength to strength under Mark’s leadership
“Avon Group’s success is underpinned by the dedication and professionalism of our colleagues right across the group of companies and I’m looking forward to harnessing their commitment and spearheading our continued growth alongside Mark.”
Avon Group is based in Bedminster and makes aerosol gaskets and automotive components, as well as a wide range of sealing, insulation, acoustic, filtration and protection products. The company was founded in 1979 and now has nine sites and more than 550 staff.
As well as its Bristol base, Avon Group has offices in the South West of England, Midlands and Wales. It also has sales, technical and distribution bases in the United States and Malaysia.
Mr Smith added: “Avon Group is blessed with tremendous sales professionals whose technical expertise has been key to the organic growth of the business over the years.
“I am relishing the opportunity to lead, align and optimise sales capabilities across the Avon Group, and help my colleagues maximise opportunities to drive forward our continued expansion.”
Mr Rushin said it was an “exciting and challenging” time for Avon Group, but he was “optimistic” about the future.
“We are all really ambitious and passionate about what we do and with our exceptionally talented people in vital positions we are now firmly on course to rise to every challenge and fulfil Avon Group’s vast potential.”
