Trade Minister backs IIT’s export drive

Lord Green gives backing to North East engineering design and development company

A top Government minister has given his backing to the export drive of one of the North East’s leading engineering design and development companies.

Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, recently visited the Team Valley-based International Innovative Technologies Ltd (IIT) to learn more about the company’s international push for sales of its patented new milling technology.

IIT employ a team of engineers specializing in the design and precision manufacture of new low-energy milling and materials handling equipment used in the quarrying, minerals processing and recycling sectors.  

Since launching their range of products, the company have attracted considerable worldwide interest. IIT are currently supplying equipment to a Swiss company, are in talks with other interested parties in China, India and Australia and have a potential US partner who would help to market the new milling system in North American markets.

To spearhead their growth plans, the company have also recently expanded their sales team with two new appointments and are in the process of boosting their engineering team with new additions. As sales of the new technology systems and associated products grow‚ over 100 new jobs could be created over the next couple of years.

George Ord, managing director of IIT, said: “We’ve already supplied equipment for use in UK-based recycling and materials handling applications, but it is the growing interest from overseas operators that is really exciting and brings significant export potential.

“Our new powder milling equipment is the first of a number of planned product introductions we have planned. We thoroughly appreciate the support we have received from UKT&I and we are working hard to maximize the global market opportunities that are opening up for our new low carbon technologies.”

IIT’s new milling technology can produce very fine powders at very low energy levels for use in quarrying, materials handling and minerals processing markets. It also has new recycling applications, for example, by turning materials such as GRP scrap into a reusable product.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green said: "IIT is an excellent example of how UK firms can find success by developing cutting-edge technology.

“I am delighted that UK Trade and Investment has been able to support the company in identifying international export opportunities.

“With the global market for low carbon goods and services valued at more than £3.2 trillion, and expected to grow again by half by 2015, I am sure that the company will continue to build on its success so far."

In developing their products, IIT have worked closely with experts from Newcastle University’s School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials and also with specialists from Leeds University.