Oldham manufacturer James Briggs signs Iranian export deal

Aerosols and consumer chemicals manufacturer James Briggs Ltd has successfully entered into a new emerging market.

The Oldham firm secured a deal with Iranian protective coating specialist Dana Chem that will see it supply the company with its branded Hycote paint products.

Manufactured in the Royton area of Greater Manchester since 1982, the Hycote brand includes products for painting, maintaining and valeting vehicles.

Despite some trepidation over the future of British exporting following the EU Referendum in June, the weakened pound has driven UK export activity up by 8% to its highest since 2014.

According to James Briggs, the firm’s international performance has fallen in line with the wider positive outlook as it seeks to grow its presence in Europe and beyond.

The partnership with Dana Chem adds to a string of international firsts for the company, which has entered new markets across Southeast Asia and the Middle East during the last 18 months.

James Briggs CEO Tim Pugh said of the deal: “James Briggs has continued to realise its strategy of targeting new international territories, such as Iran, that are receptive to high quality, British-developed products.

“While Brexit has meant a necessary realigning of our export activity, our wider strategy has always looked beyond the single market and we’re confident it will continue to serve us well in the near and long-term.”

He continued: “Our partnership with Dana Chem marks the beginning of an exciting new era for James Briggs, and we look forward to expanding our presence in Iran as our partnership and products begin to gain traction.”