Newport-based company, Tomoe Valve, manufactures high performance butterfly valves that are used in a wide variety of projects all over the globe.
Established in 1986, the company initially worked principally across the oil and gas sectors. However, in more recent years, as investment in fossil fuel energy sources is set to decrease, it has diversified to supply its valves to a wider range of industries. With rapid global growth in sectors such as food production, water treatment and construction demand for Tomoe Valve’s products is skyrocketing.
Most recently, the company’s products have been used in the development of the UK’s first fully electric fire engine.
Today, Tomoe Valve exports to over 57 countries across North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East, with international sales accounting for 90% of the Welsh manufacturer’s trade.
The company is eyeing further international growth and has set its sights on expansion in the US as a route to achieving this, having recently secured a £1.6 million contract with a US government funded project in Washington state. The deal will see up to 80 valves installed at one of world’s largest factories for advanced silicon battery materials, which are primarily used in the production of electric vehicles, buses, trucks, consumer electronics and electric flight.
Key to Tomoe Valve’s export success has been its regular presence at market visits in target regions, including to the Middle East and the US, which have been supported by the Welsh Government. The visits have enabled it to meet prospective customers, directly leading to new business.
The company has also received support with developing its supply chains and conducting market research, which have helped identify diversification opportunities in target regions and understand how to bring its products to various international markets.
Denise Cole, Finance Director at Tomoe Valve Ltd said: “International sales have always been an integral part of our business, with many of our original customer base being located in markets overseas. Our business has been built by exports. Our products are used in high-value manufacturing projects across the world, so while we may only have a handful of customers at a time, those customers bring us large revenue opportunities.
“Being able to understand potential markets without spending months on research and feasibility testing has been such an asset to the business. We are able to hit the ground running and focus on what matters most to us – the people behind the business.
“I’m a firm believer that people buy from people. We pride ourselves on the relationships we have with our customers, offering technical support and solutions even when there isn’t a sale. We know that being able to meet them face to face from the very beginning, in their own territory, sets us on the front foot for future business, and long-standing relationships.”