Pontyclun-based manufacturer, Concrete Canvas, manufactures flexible concrete fabric that is used in construction and civil engineering projects across the globe.
Founded in 2005, Concrete Canvas set its sights on international expansion early on, securing its first export deal, a contract in Asia, in 2009.
While its products were originally intended for use in disaster relief, overseas market visits opened the door to international interest in its materials for use in other areas, including shelter construction and water management projects. The development of the company’s innovative product, CCX®, which has been specifically designed for canal lining to prevent erosion and reduce water seepage loss, also led to a boom in work within the field of water infrastructure.
In recent years Concrete Canvas’ activity in the civil engineering sector has gathered pace, leading to rapid growth both domestically and overseas. Exports account for over 85% of Concrete Canvas’ trade, with the company having worked in over 100 countries across Europe and South East Asia, as well as all over North America.
With significant growth in exports to the USA over the last 12 months, including its biggest US deal to date worth over $1.4 million, Concrete Canvas expects its sales in North America to triple by 2026, accounting for 30% of its global trade.
The key to Concrete Canvas’ export success has been its regular presence at international trade shows and on trade missions, supported by the Welsh Government. This support has enabled the company to meet new prospective customers and partners across the globe, leading directly to new business.
The company utilises Business Wales’ online Export Hub regularly for market research and to check information including import tariffs. In addition, the company is a member of the ‘Export Cluster Programme’ which brings together companies across five key sectors, including High Value Manufacturing, to learn from one another, share best practice, receive expert export advice and jointly develop export capabilities.
Will Crawford, director at Concrete Canvas said: “It’s been incredible to see how exporting has completely transformed our revenue streams. We now have around 60 distributors worldwide who have exclusive contracts to sell our products. Having a global network has accelerated our growth, while also building our resilience to disruptions in global markets.
“A huge part of our success has been finding the right sales partners on the ground in new markets and Welsh Government has been instrumental in helping us achieve this. Entry into new international markets can sometimes present challenges, especially when it comes to educating the market on the new, innovative materials that we produce. Having people on the ground has been invaluable to us in gaining entry and, ultimately trust, in new territories.