Leeds-based Airedale International Air Conditioning (www.airedale.com) has won a £1 million order to supply its EasiCool air-conditioning units for the new Riyadh metro system in Saudi Arabia.

The company, which employs 400 people, rebuilt its Rawdon factory five years ago after a fire.

It specialises in precision air-conditioning units designed for use in data centres, where computer servers need to be kept at a controlled temperature.

Riyadh’s £18 billion metro will consist of six lines covering 110 miles and will incorporate 85 stations, with the first phase due to open next year.

Asim Ansari, Airedale’s export sales manager, said: “This is a fantastic contract win for us, on a huge and very high-profile project.

"Exports now make up around 30% of our sales, and we have been growing our presence in the Middle East over the last few years, after establishing an office in Dubai in 2014.

"This has allowed us to strengthen our partnerships in the region.”

Airedale, which was acquired by US thermal management business Modine in 2005, is a member of the Leeds City Region-based Export Exchange network for Yorkshire companies.

Mr Ansari, who gives free advice to fledgling exporters through the network, said: “We have been exporting our products for several decades, and it’s very rewarding to be able to help other businesses by passing on some of that expertise.

"A carefully planned export strategy can be a way to future-proof a business.”