Carnoustie business Smyth Composites has secured an export double with a Dutch company for the supply of its anti-slip surface for lorry tail-lifts.
The £400,000-plus order for GRP GritPlate will be completed in two phases and was won against strong competition.
The company, formed in 1988, makes durable non-slip solid fibreglass surfaces impregnated with fused alumina grit for heavy-traffic areas.
Applications include footbridges over railways, disability ramps, stair treads, fire escapes and boat gangways.
The Dutch customer, NTPM, was impressed by the Carnoustie offering’s ability to reduce the noise of loading and unloading roll cages from tail-lift trucks with enhanced anti-slip properties.
The first phase of the Dutch deal, worth in excess of £400,000 overall, is due for delivery late next month. The balance is to be supplied at the end of September.
Managing director Ross Smyth said: “Our product was rigorously tested in comparison with 10 alternatives and came up trumps in terms of quality and durability.
“Our ability to supply within a relatively short time span is a testament to the ability and dedication of our 26-strong team of workers.
“The guys are happy to work in flexible shift patterns and do overtime when required if it means securing the order and getting goods out on time.”
After rolling the concept out in Holland, his company has designs on the rest of Europe.
“Holland represents approximately 10% of the overall market for this product, and Smyth Composites are confident of growth in other European countries,” Mr Smyth said.
“There is a domino effect at play, in that if truck operators see the success of the Dutch rollout, then it tends to be a relatively easy ‘buy in’ by contractors in say France, Germany and other European countries.”
Smyth Composites also announced the product’s approval by the Dutch railway network for anti-slip sheets and stair treads for railway station platforms and over-rail bridges.
Mr Smyth said the surface can be installed wherever there is a potential for a slip hazard which could result in personal injury and possible compensation claims.
Smyth’s has a 38,000ft2 factory in Carnoustie’s Panmure Industrial Estate.
As well as Europe, the company recently entered into distribution agreements with organisations in the USA and the Middle East.