A Glasgow-based mobility company has heralded its expansion into Europe as a “game changer”, after opening a new office in the Netherlands.
WheelAir – the start-up behind the first temperature control system designed for, and to fit all, wheelchairs – launched its wholly-owned Dutch subsidiary this month.
The move comes after a strong year for the company, in which it expanded its product range and launched version two of the WheelAir system.
Looking to build on this success, the team has now set its sights on bolstering its European customer base.
“With sales increasing in Europe we thought that now is the time to branch out,” said Corien Staels, WheelAir Managing Director.
“We want to really take the time to fully support the business’ growth and to make it a commercial success. And the best way to do this is to open the Dutch subsidiary.”
The new office is located in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, near Rotterdam. WheelAir will retain its office in Glasgow and plans to grow the team in both locations.
“We will be maintaining a strong presence in the UK and remain fully focused on serving our existing loyal customers and new ones,” Ms Staels continued.
“It is a move which the board and team are all excited about!”
The 28-year-old entrepreneur formed the company in 2016 in Glasgow, UK, to provide effective temperature regulation solutions to overheating and over-sweating for wheelchair users.
Through active airflow, the WheelAir system allows for self regulation of wheelchair users’ body temperature through convection, conduction and evaporation heat loss.
Ms Staels said that WheelAir’s customers remain “the number one priority” and visiting them face-to-face across the UK and Europe has been one of her favourite parts of the job.
She continued: “Expanding to the Netherlands means that not only will we still be spending as much time as possible with customers in the UK, but with the new offices near Rotterdam, we will be able to spend time with our lovely customers around Europe.”
Since its introduction to the market in 2017, WheelAir systems have been sold internationally, providing life-changing results for people all over the world.
Chairman of WheelAir, Albert Nicholl said: “The expansion of WheelAir to include a new facility in Rotterdam puts the company in a strong position to not only work more closely with suppliers but to more easily deliver the exemplary customer service that people have become used to from us.
“Leading the discussion on microclimate and the issues around overheating and over sweating continues to be at the forefront of everything we do and the new offices and new team members are a demonstration of that commitment to improve the lives of those people who use our products.”
