Wet blasting technology firm increases turnover by 40%

Wet blasting specialist Vapormatt has increased turnover up to 40% by exporting globally with the help of UK Export Finance (UKEF).

After winning a large contract with a global US tooling manufacturer based in Pennsylvania, Vapormatt contacted UKEF.

The Bridgwater-based firm is an experienced exporter with 90% of its customers based overseas. The company develops wet blasting technology sold to large automotive and aerospace manufacturers based in the US and Europe, Vapormatt’s two largest markets.

Vapormatt was asked to provide a bond to secure the contract, which would have placed a significant strain on its cash reserves. Hugh Francis, UKEF’s regional export finance manager, suggested the company use UKEF’s bond support scheme. This allows UKEF to underwrite 80% of commercially issued bonds guarantees.

Working with Lloyds, UKEF was able to free up funds that would have otherwise been spent on guarantees. Vapormatt has since gone on to use the scheme a further 6 times increasing turnover between 30 and 40%.

Helen Brown, finance director at Vapormatt said: “Without UKEF we wouldn’t have been able to fulfil these contracts; their support has been invaluable in our overseas expansion. We look forward to working with them again.”

Hugh Francis, export finance manager at UKEF, added: “Vapormatt’s experiences demonstrate the difference that export finance can make to a company. UKEF can help UK businesses make the most of their export potential.”

UKEF www.great.gov.uk/get-finance

Vapormatt www.vapormatt.com