Member Article

York manufacturer secures major Australian trade deal

A York-based manufacturer has secured a major trade deal with an Australian firm, after support was given by Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (LYNYCC).

Portaster Ltd, which manufactures modular buildings in Huntington, received special customs authorisation to reduce the transport costs involved with importing electrical components across from Australia.

LYNYCC also negotiated a competitive airfreight and co-ordinated goods delivery, along with marine insurance for the components whilst on their passage.

The company, part of Shepherd Group and sister to Portakabin, designs and manufactures buildings and equipment housing for rail, communications, utility and fuel companies internationally.

Portaster’s Purchasing Manager, Carol Macdonald, said: “Although we export about 50 per cent of our products, this was an important first for us with the gas industry in Barrow Island, Australia.

“Having the special customs authorisation saved us a great deal of time and cut the import duty costs which is important in the current economic climate.”

Susie Cawood, Head of York of North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce commented: “Exporting by successful manufacturers is crucial for the UK’s fragile economic recovery.

“Our export services help many businesses with a wide range of specialist support and we are delighted to have played a role in the completion of this contract by Portaster Ltd.”

The firm has plans to create further relationships with Australian companies following the success of this deal.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .