Machynlleth-based company, Dulas, develops and implements renewable energy solutions to support communities in the most rural parts of the world.
Its range of cold-chain technology products, including solar powered vaccine fridges, supports immunisation programmes across the world to ensure that vaccines are accessible to all.
Established in 1982, the employee-owned shareholding company has over 60 permanent staff members at its mid Wales base and last year, exceeded £7 million worth of international sales thanks to its export strategy.
Exports account for 60% of Dulas’s trade, with the company exporting its products to over 80 countries and some of the most remote locations across the globe, in regions including Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Following recent success in West Africa, with a range of new contracts including an order from an international non-governmental organisation worth over £1.5 million, the company has set its sights on further expansion, aiming to increase its sales and strengthen local capacity across the region.
Dulas’s exports have been strengthened in recent years thanks to research and development support it has received from the Welsh Government to help enhance its product portfolio and meet stringent PQS accreditation from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Meeting these standards enables Dulas to continue to supply solar vaccine refrigeration systems to communities across the world.
This support has included financial assistance to join market visits to regions such as Kenya, Dubai and Panama, directly leading to new business for the company and opening the door to new partners and clients in key regions.
Catherine McLennan, Commercial Lead at Dulas, said: “The support and advice from the Welsh Government has been instrumental to our exporting success. They have helped to raise brand awareness for us in new regions and have provided access to new and relevant market knowledge.
“The trade missions have been particularly useful for us, with on the ground exposure leading directly to new local partnerships. The primary challenge with our exports is the logistical issues getting our products to their final destinations. Our products are used in the most rural parts of the world, and can often be delivered by plane, boat, truck and even by hand to reach what we refer to as ‘the last mile’.
“It is vital for our business that we have in-country partners with expert local knowledge, and the Welsh Government has helped us secure partnerships that allow us to expand our networks and deliver our products on behalf of our clients.”