Barrier-Ex Ltd has secured new distribution agreements in the Middle East and USA following its appearance at the Offshore Europe Exhibition in Aberdeen where it exhibited its new hazardous area lighting innovation, Quazr.
Having only launched the technology in the summer, Barrier-Ex Ltd has also secured commercial distribution agreements in the UK to supplement its export opportunities.
Utilising the existing workforce at Barrier-Ex Ltd and its sister division, Barrier LED, the company is meeting the demand for Quazr, but will create an additional five jobs and recruit two apprentices within the next year to support its projected growth. Barrier has already recruited for one of those roles, a sales executive, Steve Bowart, who will further build Quazr’s presence in key markets.
Manufactured in-house at Barrier’s facility in Wallsend, as the result of a programme of investment in production technology, Quazr has been designed for use in sectors operating hazardous areas including petrochemical, water and waste treatment, ports and terminals, military and in environments such as distilleries, and pharmaceutical plants.
With help securing funding to support the development of the product, from North Tyneside Council, Barrier has brought together its expertise in hazardous area solutions and LED lighting to create the floodlight, which meets stringent safety standards required in hazardous industrial environments.
As well as funding guidance, North Tyneside Council also provided Barrier with advice on establishing its apprenticeship programme and additional, ongoing training for its workforce.
The innovation and growth delivered by Barrier Ex-Ltd has led to it being named as a finalist in the New Business category at the 2017 North Tyneside Business Awards, which take place in November.
Steven Lee, Managing Director of Barrier-Ex Ltd, said: “The US and Middle East hold serious potential for Barrier-Ex and our new technology and we are very proud to have taken our first steps into these markets within months of developing Quazr. Gaining traction this quickly is testament to the engineering expertise and industry experience that we have in our team, but also the reputation that quality British manufactured products have in international markets.”
“The progress we have made has been supported by the assistance we have received from North Tyneside Council, which has been invaluable in helping us bring the product to market ahead of schedule and begin to generate sales, recruitment and growth for the business.”
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn, said: “We are delighted to support Barrier in developing this exciting new product range which is creating local jobs and training opportunities. The team at Barrier are investing in Innovation to bring new products to the market, increase efficiency and grow the business in North Tyneside.”