Pictured above: John Tudor, new sales manager at Fabweld Steel Products

Leading drainage and access cover fabricator Fabweld Steel Products has appointed a dedicated sales manager in response to a hike in its order book.

John Tudor will lead a hand-picked team of experiences sales professionals at Fabweld Steel Products in a move which the Telford-based company say will further improve customer service.

The appointment comes as the manhole cover and drainage products fabricator sees an increase in its order book, bucking the UK's production figures last month which showed a slow down of 1.7 per cent in the manufacturing industry.

John, 48, was FSP's production manager for more than four years but has spent most of his career working in retail and sales for household names including Marks & Spencer and Morrisons. He also picked up a global customer service award while leading a sales team at DIY giant B&Q.

Managing director of the Midlands-based company, Richard Hilton, said: "We are known throughout the industry for our excellent customer service and we believe John's appointment will only serve to improve what we can offer both to new and existing customers.

"We are growing our company in a time when many manufacturers are contracting, with projects both in the UK and overseas. It is vital that, as we expand and introduce new products to our range, we are in a position to capitalise on increasing our orders while improving the experience customers' enjoy when dealing with us.

"Considering the combination of John's production and technical experience and his background in sales for major UK brands, it made complete sense to appoint him as FSP's sales manager to lead a hand-picked team of experienced sales professionals."

John added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me to use my retail experience to drive sales for FSP - a challenge I will relish given my background in production for the company. I'm passionate about our products and look forward to working closely alongside both existing and potential customers."

FSP is currently expanding its portfolio, with products developed by the in-house research and development team. It has also invested in new equipment which has further improved turnaround times and is forging links with overseas distributors.