Mike Fellows

‘Fantastic synergies’ and a fresh driving influence mean that Fastline and Zaun are already experiencing benefits since the recent shareholding investment by Fastline and appointment of Fastline’s Mike Fellows to the Zaun board of directors. Fellows and Zaun co-founder and owner Alastair Henman see this as only the start of the creation of a united powerhouse for the UK and international fencing market; to be achieved through close collaboration, combined sales efforts, joint procurement and the utilization of space to increase stock and production capacity. In addition to this, there are clear advantages to be explored in the potential combination of specialist equipment and personnel skill-sets. As Henman says: “We see this very much as the whole being greater than a sum of the parts.” Delivering Technically Demanding Security Projects Fellows’ insight and expertise in the field have ensured that growth for Fastline has been constantFastline are currently one of only a handful of companies in the UK with in-house palisade rolling, boasting one of the most modern lines currently in operation. This operates 24 hours a day to deal with the ever-growing demand. Add to that the welded and woven mesh production at Zaun along with laser and robot technology and there is little that this collaboration cannot achieve. Fastline are renowned for the quality and speed of their products which encompass a near unlimited catalog due to their ability to produce standard items and also fabricate to highly bespoke requirements. Fellows’ insight and expertise in the field have ensured that growth for Fastline has been constant and shows no sign of waning. Zaun’s proven ability to deliver the most technically demanding and high security projects complements Fastline’s great penetration of the general and medium security market. Fastline have already benefited from an increased capacity for railing production and are capitalizing on more opportunities by using Zaun labor and robotic welding technology. Innovative Perimeter Security Systems Fastline and Zaun are enjoying the benefits of an intriguing and a surprising relationship within the perimeter security industry"The companies will maintain large combined stock levels of standard perimeter systems going forward to enable unrivalled lead times. Zaun has a wide range of innovative and unique security rated products, which Fastline are now pushing out to their extensive customer base – opening up a plethora of new business opportunities. Similarly, Zaun is much better placed to serve existing and new customers with an expanded range of railings, palisade, and associated products. Henman concludes: “Fastline and Zaun are enjoying the immediate benefits of an intriguing and, I’m sure to some, a surprising relationship within the perimeter security industry. “Our varied customer base and, as we both agree, quite different modus operandi seem to have ignited the very best of both companies. This was a move not expected by any in the industry but one that undoubtedly all will now be watching with interest.”

Two giants of the UK perimeter solutions market are joining forces. Fastline Holdings has taken a small shareholding in Zaun Ltd by investing and Fastline owner Mike Fellows has joined the Zaun board. Synergies Between The Two Businesses Zaun owner Alastair Henman said: "I am delighted that we managed to put this deal together after extensive negotiations and am excited to be welcoming Mike to the Zaun board." Fellows added: "There are tremendous synergies between the two businesses. Our combined resources and specialities will be without comparison in the UK, and possibly even anywhere in the world. We see this as only the start of the creation of a combined powerhouse in the UK and international fencing market.  This is very much a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts." Sharing Of Specialist Skills Fastline and Zaun have agreed to extremely close collaboration including a combined sales effort, the sharing of specialist skills, combined procurement and stocking, maximizing the use of space, significantly increased plant utilization and improved productivity through the use of technology and scale. Mike Fellows founded Fastline Steel Services Ltd, fencing manufacturers with particular strengths in palisade, railings and gates, based in 30,000 square feet of factory and office space in Strawberry Lane, Willenhall.  They have a strong and dedicated team with additional regional offices in Liverpool and Bristol. Zaun benefits from a host of modern production equipment including robot welding, tube laser cutting and plasma cutting. Extensive Fencing Catalog Fastline invested in plant two years ago to roll their own palisade system and now have probably the most efficient line in the UK. Zaun specializes in woven and welded mesh fencing, manufacturing both types of panels in its 80,000 square feet of manufacturing in Wolverhampton, less than 15 minutes from Fastline. Zaun benefits from a host of modern production equipment including robot welding, tube laser cutting and plasma cutting. It makes an extensive catalog of security rated and crash rated fencing products and boasts extensive major project and export experience. Henman concluded: "We will be looking to make quick gains for both businesses while the coming months and years will involve further investment and growth for both Fastline and Zaun, working side by side with a view to establishing both companies as the leaders in their field both nationally and internationally."