AFOS to expand export-led growth with new funding deal

AFOS, a manufacturer and supplier of specialist equipment to the global medical and food industries, is set to grow its exports and secure further international contracts after receiving a funding package worth £250,000.

Hull-based AFOS has been a major competitor in its chosen market segments for more than 60 years and the firm has a network of overseas agents in various countries including Australia, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the US ,Italy and Spain.

The firm’s medical division designs and builds equipment for use in mortuaries, laboratories, medical, veterinary and human anatomy schools, and pharmaceutical environments.

Its food division is synonymous with quality and consistency in both the fish and food processing sector globally; its smoking kilns incorporate the only certified traditional smoking system on the market and its range of defrosters have been developed to meet the changing market needs for full traceability.

The funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial will enable AFOS to expand its focus on export growth, particularly targeting North America, the Middle East and Australia. The firm has already secured a major new contract with The Quebec Government and McGill University Hospital in Canada, supplying among other things an autopsy suite and body store to the university.

In October 2012, AFOS attended an international trade mission to Brazil with Santander Corporate & Commercial, as part of the bank’s innovative Breakthrough programme, which is aimed at supporting fast-growing businesses.

AFOS currently has a number of UK universities on its client list, as well as major supermarkets including Morrison’s. Other clients include major fish and food processing groups such as Tassal of Australia, Nestle, Bakkavor, Greencore, Adelie Foods, Youngs Seafood, Laborie Group and Marine Harvest.

Mike Sutton, owner of AFOS, said: “We see strong opportunities in our chosen sectors and are forecasting a rise in profits, driven by new technologies. Our export business grew exponentially over the last number of years and we are keen to capitalise on this success. By being at the forefront of cutting edge technology, providing solutions that are tailored to our clients’ needs, we believe we are in a very strong position to continue our expansion into new markets.”

Andy Bowden, relationship director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, added: “AFOS is an excellent example of a business which has built upon the national success it has achieved to export its products around the world. It is now operating in and securing contracts in numerous overseas markets. We are delighted to work with AFOS and support its international growth with a tailored finance package and access to Santander’s global expertise in international trade.”