Sunderland-based Vox Ignis, a manufacturer of fire safety products, has moved into a larger manufacturing space at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) after reporting its best year to date (www.vox-ignis.com).

Established five years ago, the company exports its fire telephone and emergency assistance alarm products to fire and security installers (plus construction companies) world-wide and last year expanded its presence in key markets that include France, Ireland, South Africa, Turkey and Croatia.

With turnover expected to rise by another 25% this year, the move will see it significantly ramp up production levels and output.

Anthony Smith, managing director, said: “Vox Ignis has grown year-on-year since its launch, and we expect the move to help us unlock further growth.

"Since our formation five years ago, we have always looked to innovate and challenge industry norms, and we have certainly achieved what we set out to do, with our products being used in applications ranging from skyscrapers in London to airports in Eastern Europe.

“As demand for our products continuesto rise, this move will not only give us the capacity we need to ramp up our manufacturing output but also allow us to increase our head-count as we look to the future — and increase our storage capacity.”

Sales director Jeremy Kirkup said: “We are proud to be a UK manufacturer; since its launch, the company has designed and produced everything in the North East.

“This has proven to be a real selling point for us, especially when establishing Vox Ignis overseas, as the ‘Made in Britain’ brand is held in high esteem by companies world-wide.”