Solar Solve Marine, the South Shields based marine equipment manufacturer enjoyed a record year for exports in 2011. Over 90% of the SOLASOLV instantly retractable, anti glare, heat-rejecting roller sunscreens and ROLASOLV roller blind products were exported. Designed by John Lightfoot over 20 years ago to reject high levels of solar glare, heat and uv light from the sun, to protect ships personnel, SOLASAFE roller sunscreens are type approved and mainly installed at navigation bridge windows as a safety aid.
Orders sent to the Far East accounted for 46% of turnover with Korea being the biggest customer at 21% followed by China at 13%. The whole of Europe took 27% and the USA 5% with the balance being dispatched to Africa, Oceania, South America and the rest of Asia. Only 9.9% of orders were for UK customers.
Julie Lightfoot MBE, Solar Solve’s Managing Director commented, “These figures are significant and we are delighted with them. To break the 90% exports barrier when the world economy is so weak is a great achievement for our team, as well as a boost for the manufacturing exporters of North East England and the UK in general. At Solar Solve we all have the right work ethic and an absolute understanding of the importance of customer care”
“Last year Solar Solve exported products manufactured in South Shields to 40 different countries on 6 continents and over the years we have exported to 80 different countries in total. This year is predicted to be another lean one for the marine industry but we will continue to work hard, producing the best products and serving our customers well, to achieve similar results at the end of it.”
