Antrim Firm Clinches European Deal

An Antrim-based MDF moulding firm has won its first mainland European export business with support from Invest Northern Ireland.

SAM Mouldings, a UK leader in MDF architectural mouldings for the construction and DIY industries, was helped to pinpoint the market opening through its participation on Invest NI's 'Going Dutch' programme last November.

The company has signed a deal to provide a range of products, including primed MDF mouldings, wood veneer mouldings, skirting boards, and architraves, to a leading specialist in construction materials for a network of builders' merchants throughout The Netherlands.

The programme enabled the company to tap into the knowledge and experience of Northern Ireland Trade Consultants (NITC), an Amsterdam-based business with a wealth of experience gained doing business in The Netherlands.


Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI's Trade Director, commented: "Going Dutch has become one of our most successful initiatives, particularly businesses new to export markets. Over the past year, we’ve seen very many SMEs securing their first export sales.

'Others from previous programmes have gone on to win business in other international markets.

"Smaller companies clearly benefit from the practical assistance from an experienced marketing operation on the ground in The Netherlands. This expert support with market intelligence, lead generation and help with logistics, helps build confidence among participating SMEs."

Gerard Wilson, Sales Director at SAM Mouldings, added: "We had been looking at how to diversify and strengthen our sales beyond Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, which together accounts for 97 per cent of our business.

"Both markets have been experiencing difficulties because of the severe downturn in construction.

"The practical support we received through Invest NI's 'Going Dutch' programme was excellent. NITC's knowledge of the market and ability to organise interviews with key buyers were extremely impressive. Going Dutch proved to be really worthwhile for us."

(NS/BMcC)