An award-winning mid-Wales manufacturer has secured a string of new export deals around the world in territories including New Zealand, Pakistan and Mexico, with significant deals in India expected to complete in the coming months.
Zip-Clip designs and manufactures high-specification wire suspension and bracing solutions for an ever-increasing range of applications and sectors, including electrical, mechanical, heating, ventilation, construction and seismic. The company, which was founded 20 years ago, has worked on flagship projects, including the 2012 Olympics, World Cup stadiums in Qatar, Amazon datacentres and London’s new US Embassy.
The Welshpool-based company exports to more than 40 countries around the world, with exports accounting for 50% of turnover. Forthcoming landmark deals later in the summer, specifically in India, and are expected to take this figure to 70% by 2026 and quickly make India the company’s largest export market.
Recently signed export deals include significant activity in New Zealand, where Zip-Clip’s recently launched system, Zip-Splice+, has been purchased by the region’s largest reinforcement group, Fletcher Reinforcing in a three year deal. Zip-Splice+ is a heavy-duty splicing system purpose-designed for the joining of prefabricated piling reinforcement cages, which are used to strengthen concrete columns. It offers quick installation and vitally, eliminates the need for operatives to put their hands inside the cage during installation.
The company plans to apply for a King’s Award for Innovation for Zip-Splice+ later this year. It already holds a Queen’s Award for Excellence in International Trade.
Zip-Clip has also supplied a new product for sprinkler systems to contractors in New Zealand, AON Fire Protection. AON is a recognised insurance company based in New Zealand, which has listed Zip-Clip products to be used in the aftermath of an earthquake. The product has been designed specifically for this market and was tested in collaboration with testing and certification specialists, Element, at Bristol University. The new system is the only Wire Brace retrofit system to be listed by AON.
In Pakistan Zip-Clip has been making enormous strides within the seismic sector, with the signing of a new client, Ingenious Engineering Products. Ingenious, which operates in Lahore and Islamabad, is the leading distributor of construction equipment and allied engineering supplies across Pakistan. Zip-Clip will be supplying earthquake defence products to the company to add value to its current range.
Zip-Clip Joint CEO, Steve Goldsworthy, said:
“It has been, and continues to be, an extremely busy and exciting time at Zip-Clip.
“We’re constantly travelling to all corners of the globe to meet new customers, attend exhibitions and trade missions, and assess ongoing projects. Our exports are the cornerstone of our business and growing year on year. Within a few years we expect it to account for the vast majority of our turnover as developing markets like India offer up almost limitless opportunities.”
Steve added:
“We have been working with Welsh Government on export opportunities since 2009. I recently calculated that we have done more than £8 million in extra business as a direct result of their support programmes.
“Their export support has helped us to research a number of new markets and also helped us find the right people to speak with in-market. We’ve also had financial backing to visit new markets and attend trade missions. Their support has been invaluable”.
In 2021, Zip-Clip quickly established a distribution centre in Lyon, France as a result of Brexit regulations which meant the company needed a European base to ensure its future in what remains its largest export market.
“The changes in trading terms created by Brexit made it essential for us as a business to establish a European distribution hub to continue the high level of service expected by our customer base”, explains Matthew Clay Michael, Joint CEO, Zip-Clip. “We are however very much a Welsh firm through and through. The majority of our products are made in Wales and will continue to be developed from our Welshpool facility in Mid Wales. We innovate, design and manufacturer to global standards and will continue to fly the flag for Welsh engineering and manufacturing around the world.”
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport and North Wales said:
“It is fantastic to see Zip Clip winning business in new and emerging markets and developing new products from their base in mid Wales.
“Exporting can bring enormous benefits to businesses, driving innovation, increasing resilience and helping to create long-term, sustainable jobs.
“I’m delighted we have been able to support Zip Clip on their export journey. As one of our Export Exemplars they are helping inspire more Welsh businesses to follow their lead, take advantage of export support from the Welsh Government and realise these benefits themselves.
“I would encourage other current and potential exporters in Wales to get in touch with our export team, through Business Wales, to see how we can help their businesses too.”
