In a significant strategic move, a major Bristol-based engineering and manufacturing firm has reinforced its senior management team with three key internal promotions. The Avon Group, headquartered in Bedminster, is positioning itself for ambitious international expansion and has set a clear goal: to break the £100 million sales barrier for the first time in 2026.
Leadership Reshuffle to Drive Global Ambitions
The company has announced a reshuffle at the very top of its structure. Stephen Thomas, formerly the group's sales and purchasing director, has been elevated to the position of joint managing director. He will now share leadership responsibilities with the existing group managing director, Mark Rushin.
This promotion marks a notable career milestone for Mr Thomas, who brings over three decades of industry experience to the role, including a previous stint as managing director of Foam Techniques in Wellingborough.
His move has triggered a cascade of promotions within the organisation. Greg Smith steps up to fill the now-vacant role of Avon Group sales director. Simultaneously, Vince Minchella has been promoted from commercial manager to managing director of Avon Engineered Rubber. This entity is one of the nine complementary companies that operate under the wider Avon Group umbrella.
A Foundation Built on Expertise and Ambition
Founded in 1979, the Avon Group has grown into a substantial operation with more than 550 staff across nine sites. Its product portfolio is diverse, specialising in aerosol gaskets, automotive components, and a wide array of sealing, insulation, acoustic, filtration, and protection products.
While its roots are firmly in Bristol, the group has a significant footprint across the UK, with offices in the South West, the Midlands, and Wales. Its global aspirations are already in motion, with sales, technical, and distribution bases established in both the United States and Malaysia.
Commenting on his new role, Stephen Thomas said he was honoured by the opportunity. He praised the company's "tremendous reputation" and growth under Mark Rushin's leadership, attributing success to the dedication of colleagues across the group. "I’m looking forward to harnessing their commitment and spearheading our continued growth alongside Mark," he added.
Sales and Strategy Aligned for Future Success
New sales director Greg Smith highlighted the strength of the existing sales team, whose technical expertise has been crucial to the business's organic growth. "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," he stated.
Group Managing Director Mark Rushin acknowledged the present as both an "exciting and challenging" time for the business but expressed strong optimism. He emphasised the collective ambition within the company, stating that with exceptionally talented people now in these vital positions, Avon Group is "firmly on course to rise to every challenge and fulfil its vast potential."
This leadership reinforcement clearly signals the Avon Group's intent to accelerate its growth trajectory, leveraging decades of industry experience from within its own ranks to capture a larger share of the global market.
