Hart Door Systems Ltd, of Newcastle, is no stranger to the Middle East and already boasts clients across the UK and in 14 markets around the world.
Now the company is celebrating its latest success, a £750,000 order to supply 115 industrial roller shutters for Dubai Metro, in the United Arab Emirates, which is set to be one of the most advanced urban rail systems in the world when it opens next year.
The order comes after the company took part in a recent Market Visit to the UAE, organised by UK Trade & Investment. UK Trade & Investment also provided comprehensive advice and support before, during and after the visit.
Alan Richardson, Contracts Manager for Hart Door Systems Ltd, said:
"The Dubai Metro will relieve congestion caused by increasing traffic as well as supporting continuing urban development needed to accommodate a population that is rising by around 6.4 per cent a year and tourist numbers that are expected to reach 15 million a year by 2010, the year it will be fully operational.
"This is our largest export order to date and comes on the back of large orders for our products for Heathrow's Terminal 5 and the international railway terminal at St Pancras.
"Time and again we're showing that engineering excellence is still alive and well on Tyneside and the support we've had from UK Trade & Investment has been invaluable.
"The order was placed by Famco, our distributors in the UAE, which is part of the Al Futtaim Group. During the market visit, I also went to Qatar where I did a presentation to more than 70 consultants and contractors and we're hoping to secure another order, for £200,000 soon. I'll also be visiting Dubai this month to do a similar presentation there."
The first part of the order, which includes electric-operated security, insulated and fire roller shutters was despatched from Hart's factory in April and the rest will be progressively delivered into the autumn.
Joyce Rawlings, one of UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Advisers, said:
"Hart Door Systems Ltd successfully competed against companies from around the world to win this contract and I'm sure the fact they were able to meet the clients face-to-face during the market visit was a contributing factor.
"UK trade & Investment is committed to ensuring the region's companies have all the knowledge, skills and support they need to compete internationally and our market visits programme provide an ideal means of exploring a new market and meeting potential clients."
For more information about the range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk.
