Coltraco Ultrasonics, an innovative Somerset-based ultrasonic
technology manufacturer for the maritime and naval sectors, has
secured a new contract with the Indian Navy, thanks to support
from the Department for International Trade (DIT).
The contract will see the British business supply almost 200 of
its advanced watertight integrity inspection product
Portascanner® WATERTIGHT, to the Indian Navy to protect its crews
by ensuring the hatches, doors and cable transits on its 155
warships are watertight. The contract will service one of the
largest navies in the world, employing more than 67,000
personnel.
The business’s Technical Office in Somerset, which opened in
2011, will be key to providing support to the maritime force
through its final product testing and logistics.
The deal follows a determined effort by the business to bolster
its presence in India, by exhibiting at various trade shows in
the country. Coltraco was supported by DIT’s Tradeshow Access
Programme (TAP), which is part of the Exporting is GREAT
campaign. TAP provides grant funding to help businesses gain
essential market knowledge and make new contacts by exhibiting at
trade shows around the world.
International Trade Secretary MP said:
“Coltraco Ultrasonics is a brilliant example of how UK design and
manufacture can have a global impact, with 90% of their sales
coming from overseas.
“As an international economic department, DIT stands ready to
support any business with exporting ambitions. Our recently
launched Export Strategy sets out a strong offer to companies and
I would encourage anyone thinking of selling around the world to
contact their local International Trade Advisor for more advice.”
Coltraco has provided a similar service to the Royal Navy in the
UK for over 20 years and works with customers in 109 countries
including Singapore, China and the US. Asia accounts for 40% of
the company’s exports, while North America, the Middle East and
Europe account for 17%, 10% and 15%, respectively, with the
balance to South America and Africa.
Carl Hunter, Chief Executive of Coltraco Ultrasonics, said:
“We presented our Portascanner® WATERTIGHT to the Indian Navy who
carried out extensive trials with competitors. The Indian Navy
selected our product for its accuracy - it’s the most
mathematically accurate model available worldwide – its
ease-of-use, and the local in-country support. We secured the
Indian Navy contract with thanks also to our Indian Naval
Partners.
“Working in international markets like India presents
opportunities and challenges. With our 30-year export experience,
we are well accustomed to managing and succeeding abroad, and one
contributing factor is the support from UK Government, especially
DIT. For example, we started exporting many years ago with the
help of the Market Research Reports provided by DIT – today
called OMIS reports. We have also attended workshops e.g. an
Overseas Agent Masterclass that advises on global network
development.
“My advice to any company considering exporting is to do it.
Exporting has had a huge impact on our business, and if we can,
so can other British businesses.”
The deal follows the launch of DIT’s export strategy earlier this
year that sets out how the government will support businesses of
all sizes to make the most of the opportunities presented by
markets across the world.
A government-led collaboration with business, developed after
extensive engagement with a range of UK firms, the Strategy sets
a new ambition from government to increase exports as a
proportion of UK GDP to 35%.
