• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Tuesday January 6 2026

Engineering firm set for growth with trio of key appointments

Bristol-based engineering firm Avon Group has bolstered its leadership team with a trio of key appointments which will strengthen its position in the manufacturing sector.

It is a move which will boost Avon Group’s growth trajectory as the company aims to expand its global reach and break through the £100-million sales barrier for the first time.

Announcing the new boardroom appointments, Mark Rushin, Avon Group’s group director, said the company is now “firmly on course to rise to every challenge and fulfil its vast potential”.

At the top of the business, Stephen Thomas has been promoted from Avon group sales and purchasing director to the position of joint managing director.

Thomas will take the helm alongside Rushin and share more of his day-to-day responsibilities as he steps up to play a pivotal role in Bristol-headquartered Avon Group’s progress.

The appointment marks further personal progress for Thomas who is already well known in engineering circles having spent 30-plus years in the industry progressing to Operations Director and then managing director of Foam Techniques Ltd before becoming group sales & purchasing director of Avon Group.

Following Thomas’s elevation, Greg Smith has taken over as Avon Group sales director, bringing to the role huge experience from across a wide industrial background and a proven track record in developing successful teams that deliver growth.

Vince Minchella has been promoted from commercial manager to the position of managing director of Avon Engineered Rubber, which is one of the multi-faceted Avon Group’s nine complementary companies.

Together, they will spearhead the growth of Avon Group which is widely regarded one of the world’s leading aerosol gaskets manufacturers and producers of automotive components and sealing, insulation, acoustic, filtration and protection products.

Looking ahead to taking on leadership responsibilities, Thomas said: “I’m honoured to have been handed this fantastic opportunity to help lead Avon Group which has earned a tremendous reputation as it’s gone from strength to strength under Mark’s leadership

“Avon Group’s success is underpinned by the dedication and professionalism of our colleagues right across the group of companies and I’m looking forward to harnessing their commitment and spearheading our continued growth alongside Mark.”

Commenting on his new role, Smith added: “Avon Group is blessed with tremendous sales professionals whose technical expertise has been key to the organic growth of the business over the years.

“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.”

Relishing his new role, Minchella continued: “I’m excited to have been given the opportunity to lead Avon Engineered Rubber forward because it is a very important part of Avon Group as the exclusive global source for both stem and cup seal gaskets.

“We’ve been the ‘go-to’ supply partner for the world’s top aerosol producers for more than 20 years and I’m confident that we will kick on and expand our reach as well as playing an important role in Avon Group’s progress.”

Originally founded in 1979 as Avon Gasket Manufacturing, Avon Group, whose headquarters are located at South Liberty Lane, Bedminster, now comprises nine UK-based manufacturing businesses.

As well as its Bristol base, Avon Group has offices in the South West of England, Midlands and Wales. It also has sales, technical and distribution bases in the United States and Malaysia.

Rushin commented: “These are exciting and challenging times for Avon Group and with the wealth of experience Steve, Greg and Vince bring to the company means we should all be optimistic about the future.

“We are all really ambitious and passionate about what we do and with our exceptionally talented people in vital positions we are now firmly on course to rise to every challenge and fulfil Avon Group’s vast potential.”

Pictured from left: Vince Minchella, Stephen Thomas and Greg Smith