County Durham-based Sagetech Machinery a manufacturer of vertical panel saws — is adopting a new marketing strategy, as it aims to expand internationally.

Managing director Craig Williams, who bought the business in October last year, has now moved it into a large unit at the Chilton Industrial Estate, as a base to expand the company and develop new products.

He said: “There are huge markets for our saws in South Africa and the USA as well as in Europe, and we’ll be looking to work closely with the Department for International Trade to develop the contacts we need.”

The company’s machines are manufactured in the UK, with design and some assembly taking place at the new premises.

“We have a complete range of vertical panel saws to suit every application — from joiners to sign makers, to plastics to woodworking companies, through to large industrial outfits engaged in cutting large volumes of sheet material.”

The company recently launched a new Web site (www.sagetechmachinery.co.uk); it also announced new ranges of desk-top engravers and 3-D printers to complement its vertical panel saws.

Mr Williams added: “The support that Business Durham has provided has been incredible. With such growth in a small period of time, their knowledge, support and network capabilities are helping us to achieve our goals.”