A specialist steel fabrication company from Armagh City is set to make a name for itself across the pond after securing a string of new orders.

Impact Fabrications, which serves as the world's only manufacturer of galvanised chassis and bulkhead parts for the former top-selling Defender and Series models of Land Rover, enjoyed American success following a US trade mission organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

This mission saw 10 companies from the borough head to the US to seek out export contacts, build relationships and secure new deals.

The company, set up by local entrepreneur and product developer Paul Coyle, is now embarking on a global export drive with its main structural steel components exporting to 24 countries worldwide.

"With our own investment, commitment and the support of a great team, we've carved out an exciting niche in a key global export market," Paul Coyle said.

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"Being associated with a well-established US distributor offers huge growth potential, giving us ready access to a massive new customer base and boosting our products' credibility.

"Previously, while we had managed individual sales to the US market, larger bulk orders were out of reach for us until now. With the Council's help and support, we were able to identify and meet face to face with a major US distributor in Vermont.

"Rover North Inc was so impressed with our products that they placed an order during our initial meeting, and swiftly followed this with a second order – resulting in sales worth over £60,000. Further repeat orders are guaranteed.

"Gaining a significant US foothold is real game changer for us. It's given us the confidence to seek more distributors on the west coast, to extend our reach further and to double our sales by the end of next year."

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mealla Campbell, praised the companies which took part and congratulated Impact Fabrications on its commitment and ambition to succeed.

"Supporting ambitious local businesses which have the tenacity, drive and passion to innovate and export for success is vital as part of our own commitment to support our local economy, create investment and jobs.

"Our trade-focused mission to the US was tailor-made to provide the direct support our local companies need to achieve their export goals and I'm thrilled that Paul and the team have seized the opportunities it brought and I wish him continued success."

(CM/MH)