UK is based in Worksop
Irizar Group says it is targeting a further 15% increase in turnover in 2013 despite hitting a record €504m in 2012.
General Director José Manuel Orcasitas said the €1m turnover increase last year was a trend, buoyed by Irizar’s diversification into other automotive technologies, its geographic reach – with six manufacturing plants worldwide – and the quality reputation of the brand.
He said: “China is no longer a market of interest to Irizar. It is very difficult for European manufacturers.” The decision to exit China last year leaves the group with factories in Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, India and South Africa, and leaves Irizar in a stronger position to target markets such as Turkey and Russia.
Irizar Group is also targeting the USA with vehicles assembled at its plant in Mexico. He says that, within two to three years, the Mexican plant will have the technological capability to build complete coaches.
Development at the Ormaiztegi plant in Spain is continuing with the introduction of ‘Creatio’ – Irizar’s applied research and design centre. Already, developments here include products for the urban bus market, including an electric vehicle which will be delivered to Barcelona and San Sebastian during 2014.
The broader range of vehicles will present new opportunities for Irizar subsidiaries Masats, which makes power doors and wheelchair lifts, Hispacold air conditioning, power electronics specialist Jema and intelligent vehicles systems manufacturer Datik.
Irizar Group built 5,000 coaches in 2012. It employs 3,300 people at its manufacturing plants.
