Rozario acknowledged for contribution to local economy

Circuit World

ISSN: 0305-6120

Article publication date: 16 November 2012

143

Citation

(2012), "Rozario acknowledged for contribution to local economy", Circuit World, Vol. 38 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.2012.21738daa.007

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Rozario acknowledged for contribution to local economy

Article Type: Industry news From: Circuit World, Volume 38, Issue 4

Rex Rozario, the Founder of Crediton-based printed circuit manufacturer Graphic Plc, was named Entrepreneur of the Year in recognition of his efforts to propel Devon onto a global stage for technology and international trade.

In 2005, Rex organised a trade mission to China through his chairmanship of the European Institute of Printed Circuits. Realising the potential market for hi-tech products, he established a joint venture with Italian firm Somacis to build a $40 million factory in Dongguan, which started full production in 2008 and finished the 2011 financial year with a turnover of $50 million. www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Rex-king-entrepreneurs/story-15988057-detail/; www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Rex-king-entrepreneurs/story-15988057-detail/. About 70 per cent of its products are sold to Chinese industries, bringing a profit stream back to Devon.

Graphic was also a finalist in the Business of the Year and Employer of the Year categories.

Supplying specialist military avionics and medical companies, the printed circuit manufacturer’s turnover has increased by 46 per cent over the last four years, with profits growing by 565 per cent. The firm contributes £3.5 million a year to the local economy through employing 170 staff and has worked hard to reduce its environmental impact.

Awards judge Peter Blatchford said: “This individual has been working in his industry for the last 44 years, he has an exceptional international standing and the business has grown such that it now employs 600 people, both in Devon and in China”.

“Over the last four years the business has continued to grow and has seen a 46 per cent increase in its turnover, an exceptional performance in these difficult times.”

Commenting on the award, Rex said: “When you do these things you just get on and do your job, so it’s nice to get a pat on the back to say ‘well done’. I really appreciate it – I’m so pleased.”

Graphic’s printed circuit board manufacturing facility in Crediton operates 24 hours a day, six days a week. Over the past 12 months the company has been working to develop a more comprehensive training programme to preserve existing knowledge and expertise for its skilled workforce, using this as a basis for continually improving its processes by engaging employees.

Graphic is creating an electronic knowledge library and has so far reduced, by around 60 per cent, the training time required for employees to reach a high level of competence.

Related articles