Debar expands international team with two new hires

Bradford-based bi-fold door system and hardware manufacturer, Debar, has appointed two new International Business Development Managers, Peter Grove and Lee Summerfield.

These appointments are said to follow an increased focus on international expansion, with systems manufactured for the Middle Eastern and North American markets and a 24% growth in exports in 2025. Peter and Lee will be responsible for researching, strategic planning, and executing new routes to market in core target regions, including the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

Peter reportedly comes to Debar with over 30 years of industry expertise, with 18 of those spent operating in the Middle East. A strong communicator, Grove spent a decade at Gutmann Group, the Middle East’s largest supplier of commercial aluminium glazing systems in the Middle East and will be responsible for increasing Debar’s presence in the region.

Meanwhile, Lee reportedly brings over a decade of experience in the fenestration industry to Debar, holding senior sales positions at several UK-based fabricators and systems houses including Lister Trade Frames and Alutech.

Debar said he is skilled in data-driven analysis, Summerfield has a strong understanding of the industry, including manufacturing and installation, making him an ideal candidate to strengthen its international presence.

With experience in exporting to markets such as the UAE, USA and Saudi Arabia, and key partners in these regions, Debar is aiming to build upon this success with Peter and Lee joining Andrew Fawthrop in the international sales team.

These new hires also come alongside a restructure of the wider team to better serve clients, with international commercial manager Tim Shaw moving into a technical sales role, supporting clients in North America and the Middle East and providing bespoke, ongoing onboarding, training and expertise.

Speaking about his appointment, Lee said: “Having experience in a range of fenestration businesses, I have worked with Debar previously and have always recognised their quality and innovation so I’m excited to be joining a team that’s dedicated to delivering excellence.

“I’m excited to continue to bring Debar’s incredible products and bi-fold door solutions into international markets and find new partners.”

Laurence Hicks, Commercial Director at Debar, added: “Lee and Peter’s hires come at an exciting time for the business, and we’re delighted to have them on board. Through these dedicated international sales roles, we can continue our expansion into new areas and grow the export side of our operations.

“The sales team restructure, with Tim moving into technical account management also allows us to provide our clients with even closer support and is testament to our consistent focus on partnerships.”

For more information on Debar, please visit: www.debarhardware.com