Specialist manufacturer completes major export order

A Staffordshire manufacturer has completed its biggest export deal to date, supplying Pakistan with 13 medical waste incinerators.

Addfield Environmental Systems, based on Burntwood Business Park, produces machinery which is designed to ensure the complete destruction of harmful waste while significantly reducing its negative environmental impact.

Set for delivery and commissioning early this year, the machines are set to have a dramatic impact on the environment in Pakistan while also creating jobs and reducing strain on the medical system. Visible improvements have already been seen in areas where similar incinerators have been installed.

Addfield’s export business has soared during the past three years, increasing from 30% of turnover to over 65%. The company now exports to 95 countries and predicts this will grow by as much as 50% in the next two years.

This order is the latest export success for Addfield, which has worked with the Department for International Trade (DIT) for the last five years as it launched a strategic plan to increase its overseas contracts.

The business now supplies to a number of health organisations and government bodies across the world including Senegal, Cambodia, Nigeria, Guinea and Mexico, and is recognised for the quality of its equipment and compliance with international emission standards.

There is currently a renewed focus on the importance of strong biosecurity measures around waste generated by clinics, pharmacies and hospitals in many countries and agencies following recent viral outbreaks including Ebola.

Addfield has utilised the full spectrum of DIT support to focus their export plans, which includes attending workshops and masterclasses to further its international awareness and received advice on making its company website relevant for a global audience.

James Grant, Business Development Manager, Addfield Environmental Systems, said: “Historically, medical waste has been handled poorly, which has had environmental and health consequences in rapidly developing countries where the infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the growing population.

“The latest deal with Pakistan has provided a huge boost to our expanding company. It was secured following extensive collaboration with the customer to ensure the right solutions are in place for long-term benefits.

“DIT’s advice and support has been a crucial part of our overseas growth. We continue to grow our national business, but exports allow us to explore more market opportunities and diversify our products and services while making us more resilient to market changes. We’ve overcome many challenges throughout our exporting journey so far, so if we can do it, so can other businesses.”

Baroness Rona Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Exports, Department for International Trade, said: “We are delighted to support Addfield as it continues to see huge success in countries around the globe and benefit from the global demand for British goods. The company is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by taking advantage of the opportunities offered by exporting, and the full range of support available.

“As an international economic department, DIT is here to support UK companies of all sizes increase their profits and resilience through exporting.”