An Antrim architectural aluminium supplier has boosted export sales thanks to help from Invest NI.

Metal Technology Ltd, who designs, manufactures and distributes aluminium window, door and curtain wall solutions, has operated since 1985.

After investing £900,000, the firm transformed its management infrastructure, products and IT capabilities.

As a result, sales outside Northern Ireland now represent over 70% of total revenue, which grew by over a quarter in 2007 alone.

Sales Director Calvin Wilson said: "We put strong emphasis not only on product quality, but also on customer service and after sales care. This has helped the business to grow more and more quickly each year and cemented our position as a UK leader in the architectural aluminium market.

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"We are currently investing in new offices and have recently purchased new machinery in order to reduce lead times to customers. However, in order to achieve our aim of reaching an annual turnover of £20 million by 2011, we realised that we must also develop our human resources function and overall leadership capability."

Mr Wilson said: "We have already contributed to significant construction projects in the Republic and throughout the UK. Through this we have established important relationships with main contractors, such as Carillion PLC and Balfour Beatty, which we hope to develop into the future."

Kevin McCann, Invest NI's Director of Construction, said: "Metal Technology has built a sound reputation in export markets through excellent workmanship and a commitment to after sales care. This kind of skilled and high value-added activity has seen the company establish key partnerships with the top UK Contractors which will be key to long term growth."

(PR/JM)