The move, which comes half a century after Aidan Barlow founded the original Barlo Company in 1967, marks a deliberate throwback to QRL’s roots, honouring the business’s heritage as a manufacturer of top-quality, British-made panel and design radiators. In fact, Tony Mullins, who took the helm of the Barlo Company in 1989, remains the chairman of QRL Radiator Group today.
As part of Barlo’s return, the company has also committed to building and nurturing a new generation of industry specialists, not only to bolster the impact and success of Barlo, but also to strengthen its longstanding reputation for pioneering technical expertise and exceptional customer service.
Lee Kenney, managing director - commercial at QRL Radiator Group, explained: “The last few months have seen some exciting changes at QRL, and we’re immensely proud that we’re now in a position to reveal all to our valued customers. We know from listening to you that Barlo is the name you trust in radiators, so bringing the brand back to coincide with its 50th anniversary felt like a natural next step for the company as it enters a new chapter.
“Our customers – and the desire to exceed their expectations – remain at the heart of everything we do, and subsequently our dedication to investing in the very best people, products and processes is stronger than ever. This ethos has prompted a strategic reorganisation of our dedicated sales teams for both merchants and the trade, through a combination of internal re-appointments and external new appointments. We’ve also put a new product strategy team in place to support them.”
Heading up the restructured trade sales team is Dave Thornback, an experienced sales professional and former Barlo Company employee who is now returning to the business as sales director – trade. Also rejoining the company is Jamie Warren, who will be leading business development projects in his role as business development director.
The new product strategy team will be led by Mike Patching as product strategy manager, and David Relihan will spearhead the commercial function as commercial director for Great Britain. Meanwhile, Dermot MacNeill, who has been with the business since its Barlo days, will be working to further strengthen Barlo’s position in his capacity as sales director – Barlo Panel.
Mr Relihan commented: “Our business values are the same as they always have been: Great British radiators, manufactured at Europe’s most technologically advanced manufacturing plant in Newport, Wales, using British steel sourced locally. The Barlo brand is synonymous with all this. Unparalleled quality, state-of-the-art technological capabilities, and independently certified, industry-leading heat outputs are at its heart. In other words, going back to Barlo means going back to our roots – and reinforcing everything we stand for as a company. I am honoured to be playing such a key part in the business’s future success and growth as commercial director for Great Britain.”
While QRL Radiator Group will remain the company’s official umbrella name, customers will start to see the Barlo branding roll out through merchants and retailers from January 2018 onwards. This will be a gradual, structured process, ensuring a smooth transition for all involved.