Dunmurry-based Brookvent has won the first order from New Zealand for its innovative window ventilation systems. The initial five-figure contract is from Auckland-based Fairview Windows, which is New Zealand’s largest window manufacturer.

The County Antrim company was assisted in its efforts by Invest Northern Ireland. The latter’s trade director, Vicky Kell, said: “Brookvent has used a range of our trade development services to support an ambitious business growth strategy that is now producing tangible benefits in terms of a substantial growth in business in international markets.

“We have sought to encourage companies to look closely at opportunities in emerging markets in the Asia Pacific region — such as Australia and New Zealand — by arranging sectoral trade missions in particular.

"New Zealand is a small but attractive market that has very strong links with the UK and has been investing substantial amounts in infrastructure projects. As a result of its historic links, doing business there is very similar to the UK.

“If a product or service is successful in the UK, there’s a good chance it’ll be successful in New Zealand. As is the case with most global markets, it rewards companies such as Brookvent, which are prepared to commit the time and other resources to developing contacts there that will lead to worthwhile business.”

Brookvent also exports its ventilation systems to central and eastern Europe, the Netherlands and China.