Kingswinford-based Mechatherm International has created 20 jobs after securing a £25 million order from Bahrain, with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).

The company specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of furnaces used to produce aluminium; this latest order relates to a number of furnaces for one of the largest aluminium producers in the Middle East (www.mechatherm.com).

To meet increased demand, Mechatherm has had to increase the size of its workforce from 50 to 70; the company also expects revenues to rise above £20 million in 2019.

It sells to more than 50 countries globally, and exports account for around 85% of its turnover. Mecatherm is also planning to open an office in Dubai this year, to boost its presence in the Middle East.

Mecatherm chairman Andrew Riley said: “Exporting is key to our business, and some of our most valuable contracts are with overseas customers. Before working with the DIT, we encountered some difficulties with logistics; we were unsure who to trade with and how to do so securely.

"The DIT helped us by introducing us to a network of trusted partners, allowing us to export confidently and profitably.”