Langtec subsidiary Shannonvile Fibre bags ISO certificate

Langtec have been producing a wide variety of fibreglass tubes, carbon fibre tubes, mica sheets and cotton tubes for more than fifty years and 2013 sees the company expand once again.

Langtec’s composite tube products are sold worldwide to a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, defence, textile, welding and construction.

Established in 1958 and based near Accrington, Lancashire Langtec has grown steadily to become one of the leading manufacturers of carbon fibre tubes.

The Lancashire Company bought a controlling stake in the Irish carbon fibre tube manufacturers in 2011 and since that time has been working with Shannovale to achieve ISO 9001 status.

The Lancashire based fibreglass tubes producer invested in Shannonvale to expand their current product range.

Shannonvale Fibre Tube, like Langtec manufactures composite tubes and specialises in the production of carbon fibre and epoxy glass tubing.

The tube manufacturers are based in Southern Ireland and have the facility to manufacture tapered tubes and special profiles. A dedicated spray booth housed in their purpose built unit provides coloured tubes to exact RAL numbers.

When asked why did you buy a stake in Shannovale? Lee Parnell (Sales Manager at Langtec) replied, “Langtec now have ‘in group’ access to alternative manufacturing methods of composite tubes and especially carbon fibre tubing. This has meant we are now able to offer a wider range of product to our existing customers.”

The partnership now means that Shannonvale can benefit from Langtec’s experience in administration and call upon their experienced sales team and sell the new range via their international agents.

“The ISO 9001 approval shows that Shannonvale Fibre Tube has a robust system in place and gives new and existing customers added confidence about the quality of the products they produce, which can now be supplied with full ISO9001:2008 certification,” said Lee Parnell.

John O’Sullivan M.D. of Shannovale said, “We have always been an admirer of Langtec and when they first approached us I begun to become very excited at the prospect of working together.”

“Langtec have several international agents selling their products and an excellent reputation (both in the UK and internationally). It made perfect sense to join forces,” John added.

“Langtec (like us) are focussed on quality and have held the ISO accreditation for many years. This was another reason I agreed to them buying a stake in our business as I knew they would be able to help us gain the same accreditation,” said Mr. O’Sullivan.

“We have noticed the difference already with many of our existing customers ordering the new product range that we now produce at Shannonvale,” said Lee.

“We’ve also noticed an upturn in the sales of spin bobbins which used to be one of our top sellers. The sales dropped off a few years back due to the inferior and cheaper disposable paper versions which had flooded the market,” added Mr. Parnell.

“When I asked the customers who have begun to order the bobbins once more, why they had chosen our product? They said it was because it is re-usable, recyclable and much kinder on the environment,” replied Lee.

“Things are really moving in the right direction for Langtec and working in partnership with Shannonvale means that we will be able to strengthen our market share,” added Lee.

Langtec Limited