Welshpool factory opens as Zip-Clip targets overseas growth
A growing company whose products are exported to 23 countries is to ramp up its overseas trade after completing a move to a new £1.8 million factory.
Zip-Clip says it wants exports to account for 60 per cent of sales next year, compared with 38 per cent now, and has now opened a new facility on Offa's Dyke Business Park in Welshpool to support its ambitions.
The building was backed by the Welsh Government, and opened by Economy Secretary Ken Skates.
The company designs and manufactures suspension systems for installing heating, ventilation and air condition systems in industrial and commercial buildings.
It also supplies the electrical market and specialises in Seismic bracing for the building services industry.
Managing director Matthew Clay-Michael said: “Without this new facility we couldn’t even consider growth and now we have the space to expand and target new markets.
"As well as securing a three-year £1m contract with a major global manufacturer of electrical containment systems we are in talks with one of the world’s largest manufacturers of lighting products to make a bespoke lighting suspension system.
“We experienced a 24 per cent growth in UK and overseas sales last year and plan to achieve at least 15 per cent growth year on year over the next three years which is achievable given the increased capacity in our new facility and new products being developed.”
Zip-Clip has more than 50 key distributors globally – many of whom were present at the opening – and plans to increase its presence overseas.
This year it is opening a new distribution centre in Melbourne, appointing two distributors in Japan and has already appointed a global manufacture of cable management containment systems to represent their range in South America, Portugal and Spain.
It is currently in discussions regarding representation in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and has appointed a new commercial manager to support its exports and liaise with clients across Europe.
Mr Skates added: “This is a great illustration of how SMEs can really benefit from exporting and find new lucrative markets for their products.
"The Welsh Government can offer companies a raft of help, advice and support to target overseas markets and I am delighted Zip-Clip has benefited from these programmes.
“I am also pleased the Welsh Government is supporting the company’s expansion and that Zip-Clip is already reaping the benefits from operating from larger premises having already secured a new £1m plus contract and taken on five new members of staff to service growing orders.”
At 17,500 sq ft, the new premises are more than twice the size of Zip-Clip's previous facility in Newtown and since moving the company has hosted business visits from Finland, Italy, US and Australia.
Zip-Clip’s products have been used on numerous prestigious buildings worldwide – ranging from Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas – from Kuala Lumpur Tower in Malaysia to The Gherkin and Shard in London.
