Mid-Wales manufacturer Zip-Clip was paid a visit by Wales’ First Minister Carwyn Jones following the completion of its 6,000 sq ft expansion.
The extension to the site at Offa’s Dyke Business Park cost £375,000 by the Welsh Government and is now leased to Zip-Clip.
Zip-Clip’s turnover has increased from $4.6m to £5.5m since it moved to its new site last year – also facilitated by the Welsh Government. The manufacturer expects to double its workforce to over 70 within five years and grow turnover.
Zip-Clip supplies suspension systems for construction, as used in the new American Embassy at Nine Elms in London, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the London Olympics Aquatic Centre.
Zip-Clip down under
Exports already reach 22 countries and Zip-Clip Pty Ltd has been established in Melbourne, Australia, with its own designated warehouse and offices. The facility will stock and distribute products manufactured in Wales into the Australian and New Zealand markets from June 2018.
“The extension on the new unit will enable us to future-proof the needs of our export clients,” said Zip-Clip Chief Exec Steve Goldsworthy. “Our aim over the years is to develop our overseas market with the aim to better service our customer needs through new product Development and customer support.
“The success of Zip-Clip in targeting these overseas markets can only be achieved with the support of the Welsh Government. The initial support we had in developing overseas customers through trade missions enabled us target the correct countries and businesses effectively and affordably.
“The support in the new building has enabled us to keep our head offices and manufacturing in Wales where the local community and local supply chain can also benefit.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones added: “It’s great to see a company like Zip Clip succeed in this way. I’m pleased the Welsh Government is able to assist them with their export boom and expansion plans.
“It was good to hear about the company’s success overseas, with exports to some 22 countries around the world. They are a valuable member of the business community here in Mid Wales providing excellent employment opportunities in the area.”