START-UP BREAKS INTO EXPORT MARKET

18 Oct 2004 11:16 AM

South Wales business start-up Alchemy Technologies is to invest in new plant and equipment after clinching its first overseas orders.

The business, based at Abergwynfi, Port Talbot, is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the UK’s leaders in the highly specialised market of briquetting & agglomeration systems.

Managing director and founder Steve Bray says Alechemy specialises in taking end-product material, in particular the powdery residue left after the casting of precious metals or mineral grinding, and turning them into briquettes.

“As well as offering environmental benefits, the end result is a briquette similar in size to a charcoal briquette that often possesses a substantial value. They can be made of anything from tin to titanium,” explained Steve, who helped establish the business just two years ago.

The company currently employs six staff and is also looking to take on more workers in the next 12 months.

Alchemy has recently benefited from the support of WalesTrade International, the Welsh Assembly Government’s overseas trade arm, which is enjoying particular success in helping first-time exporters research new markets overseas.

With WTI’s support, Alchemy Technologies attended the Institute of Briquetting and Agglomeration annual conference in Sante Fe, USA, and six months on have reported orders won valued at almost £20,000 with a further £114,000 worth of business in the pipeline.

“Thanks to WTI’s support and advice we have also been able to appoint a representative in France and we are having product samples tested by potential customers in Norway & Belgium,” explained Mr Bray.

“Diversification and the development of new product lines are a fundamental aspect of the company’s future strategy, as is overseas trade,” he said.

Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport said: "Alchemy is an excellent example of a company, which has developed experience in a niche market and is gaining success on an international level. I wish them all the best for a prosperous future."

Elaine Choules, WTI international trade counsellor for South West Wales, said, “We are delighted that Alchemy has become one of Wales’s latest new exporters. The business is developing a reputation for being particularly skilled in a specialist field and it is also great to see them investing their new found success in capital equipment which will benefit their growth long-term.”