Enterprise Scotland

Whether it is keeping out wolves, lynxes and wild boar or keeping in deer and sheep, high tensile (HT) stock fencing design has had to raise its game in recent years to cope with the challenge of ever increasing expectations.

Thanks to continuous product development and a focus on after-sales customercare, however, Tornado Wire has been far exceeding the expectations of its customers both here in the UK and across Europe.

The Crieff-based company has evolved over the past 30 years from rural fencing contractor into a major manufacturer and distributor to the agricultural, equine and industrial sectors. In fact, many of its uniquedesigns have been developed in conjunction with leading industry bodies to meeta particular need, such as containing elk and wild boar at the AlladaleWildlife Reserve in the Scottish Highlands and protecting livestock in Romania and Scandinavia against roving predators.

The company has 70 employees located at its three facilities, with 45 staffemployed in its manufacturing plant in Millom, Cumbria and the remainder basedat sales offices in Crieff and Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire. A strong focus onquality manufacturing standards as well as customer support that extends longafter the point of sale has enabled the company to cross the Channel andconquer some challenging markets.

Tornado Wire initially imported HT stock and deer fencing products from New Zealand but by 1982 it had set up its own manufacturing facility in Cumbria and bought out its antipodean partner. Today, it can provide fencing options to suit any situation; whether a customer is looking to fence in lambs orostriches, horses or chickens or keep out predators, Tornado Wire has theability to assess its individual needs and design an appropriate fencing system.

Commercial Director Stevie McKay said Tornado’s origins as a fencingcontractor has provided a solid skills base within the company that has been instrumental in its successful growth. “We like to think we know what we aretalking about,” he said. “Managing Director Kenny Campbell and I have about 65years of experience between us and the company has also benefited from itsclose links to John Fletcher, who was one of the first deer farmers in the UK.”

High tensile fencing has proved to be the company’s core product over thepast few years because it is stronger than traditional mild steel fencing and,as less materials and labour are needed, it offers much better value. The company has also made a name for itself for its ability to adapt designs for challenging applications. Wild boar is a particular problem for landowners inmany parts of the Continent and Tornado Wire responded to this need bydeveloping a unique HT fencing design that has gone on to drive expansion into markets in Scandinavia, Hungary, Romania as well as Slovenia, and Lithuania.McKay said Tornado has also developed specialist products for customers in Lapland who have to contend with extremely rocky terrain. “Because the groundis very hard, we have created fences with more line wires at the base of thefence preventing animals from penetrating it,” he said.

A number of factors have enabled the company to flourish, despite the global economic downturn. McKay said the company benefits from a loyal and long serving work force and it has a strong focus on after-sales customer support -especially important because HT fencing has to be installed to exact specifications.

A working partnership in Hungary saw Tornado Wire’s work recognised by the erection of a plaque and a tree being planted because the Hungarian company wanted to recognise the contributions made by both Cont-eco, the main distributors for both Hungary and Romania, and Tornado. McKay said: “It means that we are doing things right and they are happy with the both the quality and service that we offer.”

He said business has grown impressively in Eastern Europe and may be thanksto marketing support offered to its European customers in the form of literature, exhibitions and DVDs. “We have found that our customers benefit greatly from seeing demonstrations and, if we have the opportunity, we invitethem over to the factory so they can see both the manufacture and erection display first hand,” he said.

“Another interesting project we have been involved in is providing stock fencing for Paul Lister on the 23,000 acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve he bought it in 2003. I designed a fence design that could keep in wild boar andelk, and eventually wolves if they are introduced back to the UK.”

By manufacturing its own products at its Cumbrian plant, Tornado Wire has been able to guarantee high standards and is understandably proud of its ISO:9001:2008 award. “We are not just an ordinary manufacturer – we understand people’s needs and people are confident in our recommendations,” McKay said.

Enterprise Scotland