Craft Focus - April/May 2021 (Issue 84)

30 C ol lecting & crafting Model railways, replicas, kits and collectables – there are so many exciting items to explore with Bachmann Europe Plc. Pauline Hinkley, sales and business development manager tells us more… Tell us a little bit about the history behind Bachmann Europe. Where are you based? Who started the company and when? Bachmann Europe plc was formed in 1989 but has an origination in America back in 1833 when it specialised in manufacturing high-back Spanish combs for the ladies of the southern states. It’s mostly known for the manufacture of model railways these days but also distributes a variety of products to create scenery for model layouts, plastic model kits, educational and science craft items, toys and collectables across a number of brands. Bachman Europe is based in Barwell, just outside of Hinckley in Leicestershire where we have offices, meeting rooms and our warehouse and distribution facility. What company values do you hold? Bachmann Europe’s heritage is built on the constant innovation and development of award-winning products. Our vision is to lead the model and hobby industry with a successful and resilient business for the long term. Through our extensive expertise and the high standards that we set ourselves, we constantly strive to nurture and grow both our business and the wider industry as a whole. To realise these goals, we’ll always empower our team and support our network of retailers and partners throughout Europe and the world. What do you specialise in? Model railways and all accessories for building layouts, plastic model kits covering aircraft, military and general interest, collectables, craft tools, art and craft kits. How has your product range evolved over the years? Mostly by acquisition, particularly in the plastic model kits, toys and collectables area. What’s your most popular range? Model railways still are the largest part of our business but that aside, then Woodland Scenics, Scenecraft, Modelmaker and Toyway are all growing brands. What crafts are currently very popular and have you noticed lots of newbies taking up crafting? All kinds of modelling have grown throughout the lockdown period with “Al l kinds of model l ing have gr own thr oughout the lockdown period with people of al l ages f inding their creativity and taking up the hobby.”