Wrexham-based Air Covers (www.aircovers.com), which supplies its protective covers for aircraft to defence forces around the world — including the Royal Swedish Air Force, the Omani and UAE Air Forces, the German Bundeswehr, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force — says that moving to North Wales has contributed to its success.

The company relocated to the Bryn Business Centre on Wrexham Industrial Estate in 2014 and currently employs nine full-time designers and machinists.

It has taken part in various trade shows organised by the Welsh Government and will be one of 25 companies taking part in a Welsh Government trade delegation to China and Hong Kong next week.

Helicopters are vulnerable to environmental damage from sand, ice, humidity and heat, so Air Covers has developed a range of products to protect them against these hazards and maximise their operational time.

The covers also reduce the need for maintenance, which over the lifetime of an aircraft can amount to more than three times the purchase price.

CEO John Pattinson said: “The move to Wales was a key moment in the growth of Air Covers. Since 2006, we have become a global leader in our chosen niche — environmental protection for high value equipment.

“Our laser scanning and 3-D modelling department had the space to grow, and we partnered with local businesses for product testing.

“Within 18 months we had been approved by Airbus Helicopters and Bell Helicopters USA and had diversified into the protection of marine and land equipment.

“In addition to great support from the Welsh Government, its agencies and Wrexham Council, we have had support from many local businesses through the Wrexham Business Professionals networking group.

“I feel that we are part of a regional growth story, and we’re proud to be here.”