Tech company targets global markets after launch of new actuator

A WORCESTERSHIRE technology company is targeting international markets for growth after launching a new product.

Malvern-based Smart Actuator Company has developed the world’s first smart technology electric actuator to control industrial valves.

The company visited a trade show in Germany prior to Christmas to promote the new actuator and two other products, a move which helped it secure new business. It was supported in the move by the Department for International Trade.

Tonya O’Donnell, director of management services at the family-run business – based at Advantage Business Park – said the support of the DIT had been key to its ability to penetrate new export markets.

International trade advisers based in Hereford and Worcester have worked closely with the company over the past six years, introducing it to the relevant industry experts, setting up meetings and undertaking market research.

Ms O’Donnell, together with her brother James O’Donnell, who invented the product, and their father Tony, who is company chairman, have all attended DIT events, where they have discussed potential opportunities with export advisers from across the globe.

Christine Hamilton, deputy regional director of DIT West Midlands, said: “To be an integral part of a company’s global growth is fantastic news for everyone concerned and demonstrates how our international trade advisers can make a real difference to a company that sets its sights on overseas markets.

“From the smallest beginnings, SmartAct is now a leading company in its field, is expanding its business premises and looking to take on more staff. It’s just the start of its export journey, too, so we expect it will achieve greater innovations.”

The actuator has taken six years and more than £2.5m in R&D to develop. The smart actuator relies on SmartAct’s Rift technology, which combines several small motors around a central shaft to reproduce the power of a single large motor at a fraction of the cost.

Since it was brought to market last year, the company’s order book for this year is already looking healthy, with orders from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, India and Germany.

“We’ve worked with DIT since the beginning but particularly in the last three years and getting our product out into the global market wouldn’t have happened without its support,” said Ms O’Donnell.

“Before the company was set up, James was a computer engineer and we had no knowledge of the engineering and manufacturing sector, so every introduction has been invaluable. Going back to ValveWorld (Germany) last month was incredible; we had unbelievable feedback from visitors and we’ll be following up all the leads over the next few months.”

The company has grown from three full-time staff to 16 and it is already planning to add to its team with four apprentices and two production staff this year.