MARL managing director steps down in Glamox AG acquisition

Adrian Rawlinson has announced he is leaving the company, alongside his wife Aida, the company administrator, as the company is acquired by Glamox AG.

Mr Rawlinson joined MARL in 1977 when it was based in Ulverston and primarily involved in making safety equipment for the pharmaceutical industry.

Adrian Rawlinson, managing director of MARL (Image: MARL)

By 1978, he was tasked with promoting and selling an LED range and saw the demand for LEDs from the telecoms, defence, rail, and power generation industries increase.

This led to a rapid expansion of MARL's LED assembly operation.

Mr Rawlinson explained that as LED technology began to 'explode in popularity', MARL outgrew The Ellers and moved to Stone Cross Mansion in 1986.

MARL Park (Image: MARL)

In 2001, MARL bought the old Ashley Accessories manufacturing site, which became MARL Business Park, where it remains today.

In 2008, Mr Rawlinson led a management buyout and took full ownership of the company.

This era saw some 'great successes' such as the first intelligent train lighting system, Sci-Light, the roller light project, and some 'stunning' architectural and colour outdoor lighting such as Alnwick Gardens and the Sir John Barrow Monument.

The Ellers (Image: MARL)

In 2016, MARL began working on the bid for the UK's innovative T26 frigate lighting, marking a period of learning, growth, and transformation.

MARL is active in several markets, such as medial applications and film and broadcast, but prioritising the marine lighting market was a strategy that turned out to be 'highly successful', building momentum for the company.

Likening his time at the company to a train journey, Mr Rawlinson spoke of his desire to depart while the company's performance is on a 'steady upward trajectory'.

Stone Cross (Image: MARL)

Now is the time that MARL 'changes trains' and the journey for Mr and Mrs Rawlinson comes to an end.

Mr Rawlinson is 'confident' that the handover to Glamox will leave MARL International in 'safe hands, great shape, and on track to continue its journey'.

He said: "We hope you continue to enjoy the journey, it can be as long as you desire, the destination hasn’t changed."

The MARL team thanked Mr Rawlinson for his years of service and leadership and wished both him and Mrs Rawlinson the best for the future.