A Co Londonderry-based shower tray manufacturer, Spa-Jet, has developed a new product range aimed at increasing export sales.

The Coleraine company, which employs 24 people at its Hawthorn Terrace premises, has developed an upmarket range of slim line and lower profile shower trays, with help from Invest NI.

Invest NI has provided research and development-focused assistance through its Product and Process Development Programme and is also providing marketing support.

The new products were unveiled by Eric McKay, Spa-Jet's Managing Director and founder, and welcomed by Des Gartland, Invest NI's North West Regional Office Manager in Londonderry.

Mr McKay said: "The new shower trays are the result of a significant investment by the company in technology and innovation. We have developed what we believe to be a unique range with significant export potential.

-- Advertisement --

"Our business growth strategy is focused on building sales in key European markets such as the Netherlands and Great Britain by offering innovative and quality products.

"We have a strong base in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and while both markets offer opportunities for further growth, our market research indicates that there is significant scope to build sales faster in other neighbouring European markets.

"Invest NI's technical support for the development and production of the new shower trays has been immensely important."

"They are much more flexible and aesthetically pleasing than traditional trays due to the reduced side wall profile and smooth base, whilst also suitable for installation directly onto joists due to the solid cast structure of the tray," he added.

The shower trays are approximately 40-45mm in depth compared to 80mm for conventional trays, and are made from a tough acrylic capped polymer (ABS), with a stone resin reinforcement.

Mr Gartland said: "Spa-Jet is an established and successful business with proven export capability. Our support has been geared to help the company address technical issues in terms of design and manufacturing of what is a higher added value product range for export."

The Invest NI executive also said: "We are also assisting this ambitious company to realise the undoubted potential of the new products by bringing them to market faster.

"Our support for this important project for Spa-Jet is in line with our strategic focus on encouraging entrepreneurial North West companies to grow faster through a sharp focus on innovation and international markets," he added.

(PR)