The UK’s leading manufacturer of round, flat and profile wire is heading to Wire 2024 off the back of one of its largest-ever export orders. Alloy Wire International (AWI), will be showcasing its 60-strong range of exotic alloys at the show in Düsseldorf, taking place 15-19 April (Hall 11, Stand E26), having just sealed a $400,000 contract with a US springmaker to supply a high-strength nickel cobalt alloy.

The DFARS compliant material will be used in an aerospace application that requires heat and corrosion resistance, with the company chosen for its world-class quality and the ability to process the order in just a matter of weeks. It is these two qualities, along with a sector-leading 400-tonne stockholding, that AWI will be pushing in Germany when it looks to increase its international sales even further. The company will be represented on the stand by staff from the UK and agents from Germany, Italy, and the USA.

AWI managing director Tom Mander said: “Wire 2024 is the biggest global show in our sector, so it is great news that we are heading there after winning such a sizeable export order. It illustrates how UK manufacturers can remain competitive through investment in the latest technology and a commitment to work with our customers to deliver exceptional technical advice and access to significant amounts of stock at short notice.”

Key selling points
He continued: “The US order really does typify what AWI is all about. We received the enquiry about two months ago, went back quickly with a quote, agreed the deal, and processed the large quantity and despatched it in a matter of weeks. Wire 2024 gives us another opportunity to take our key selling points to a global audience and we have invested heavily in creating our biggest stand yet and a new timeline that charts some of the big moments in our 78-year history.”

AWI manufactures round, flat and profile wire in 60 exotic alloys, including Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy, Nimonic and Waspaloy. From its two factories in the West Midlands and Yorkshire, the company continues to be a critical supplier to the UK manufacturing sector while also growing its export business, which currently accounts for nearly 55% of its £17.9 million sales. This means AWI now supplies 6,000 customers across 50 countries and 15 different market sectors and, despite global supply chain disruption, is still delivering material in just three weeks from the order being placed.

Mr Mander concluded: “We are seeing growth across all industries, with automotive up 6%, aerospace up 3% and a resurgent oil and gas marketplace up more than 10%. There are also big opportunities in space, medical and nuclear, as firms strive for material that delivers the performance they require in the end application. The team can’t wait to travel over to Wire 2024, and meet up with colleagues, supplies and customers in Dusseldorf, as we look to champion the power of UK manufacturing to the world.”