Aycliffe Today Business Aycliffe Today Business Issue 42 | Page 15

The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 15
BTS Facades and Fabrications in Newton
Aycliffe has joined forces with Hartlepool-
based The Expanded Metal Company to
launch a new product.
FORGING AHEAD
Two firms team up to launch innovative new product
T
wo North East manufacturers have
joined forces to develop an innovative
new product.
Newton Aycliffe-based BTS Facades
and Fabrications and Hartlepool-based The
Expanded Metal Company have collaborated
on a joint project which sees the launch of
a new expanded mesh frame system for
protecting exterior spaces, the first of its kind
in the UK.
It was a passion for the North East and
partnering with local firms that initiated
the project as well as the need for the new
design which steered the team forward.
Both companies create products which
complement each other, with BTS Facades
and Fabrications manufacturing façade and
rainscreen systems under the Vantage brand,
and The Expanded Metal Company producing
an expanded metal range including high
security fencing and gates.
The Expanded Metal Company recognised
a gap in the market for the installation of
expanded metal mesh material but could
not source a fixing system in the UK, only in
Europe, which is where BTS came in.
Already a customer of The Expanded Metal
Company, managing director of BTS Phil
Atkinson was more than happy to join forces.
He said: “We have used the firm’s
products for a number of years so were
thrilled when Phil approached us to work
together.
“We see the mesh framed system in
comparison to a diamond ring, with the
mesh as the ‘diamond’ and the framed fixing
system as the setting, and together they are
a perfect match.
“As the product is so unique, we currently
have a patent pending to protect the design
and manufacture of the Vantage® EM F
(framed).”
The finished product is part of the Vantage
EM range - a protective mesh bracket and
rail system affixed to buildings to create a
pleasing aesthetic.
With framed and non-framed versions
available, the completed look is entirely the
creation of the client’s imagination.
BTS non-executive director Gary Lumby
said: “This is a very exciting time for both
companies and after the hard work from
the great design and manufacturing team
over the last 18 months, we are now looking
forward to our product entering the market.”
Philip Astley, managing director of The
Expanded Metal Company, said: “I am
passionate about linking with North East
businesses where possible to develop strong
regional working relationships.
“I took a conscious decision to ‘think local’
when approaching the problem of developing
the mesh product into a complete solution.
It was fantastic to realise that someone who
could provide a solution was only 40 minutes
away.
“We have a long history of supplying
expanded metal mesh products for use
in the architectural and construction
sectors and this partnership combines
our extensive industry expertise and
manufacturing capabilities with BTS Facades
and Fabrications’ innovative approach and
specialist knowledge.
“We’re greatly looking forward to seeing
the Vantage® EM F and EM SA range applied
in future building projects and are delighted
to be working hand in hand with another
pioneering North East company.”
Phil Atkinson added: “The rainscreen is
unique as the colours, finish and patterns of
the mesh can be changed to alter the visual
appeal, so it is perfect for refurbishments or
modern buildings looking for a façade that
can be altered quickly and easily.
“With our strong market knowledge and
as a trusted brand, the range will create a
supply chain for contractors, who previously
had to travel to Europe for this type of
product.”
Find out more about BTS Facades and Fabrications at btsfabrications.co.uk