Partner Article

Ink maker spreads its mark across the world

Northumberland-based ink firm Multichem has revealed plans to open a manufacturing facility in China as it deals with soaring global demand.

The Hexham company started life as a small family firm in the 1970s but has since grown into a global giant with over 95% of its income being generated from overseas clients across five continents.

The latest markets the company has broken into include Nepal, Nigeria, Taiwan and Japan, while recent years have seen it enjoy a 500% increase in business in India, with similar levels enjoyed in South America.

The business expects to begin manufacturing in China before the end of the year to service its customers in the Far East.

However, its chief executive Rob Nirsimloo says the Asian expansion will not jeopardise the future of its Northumberland headquarters which employ around 15 people.

He also attributed the overseas success of company – which generates around £2.7m every year from exports – to honest hard work.

He said: “One key thing that underpins our export success is the sheer dogged determination of the team, a clear plan and the refusal to accept the global downturn as a limiting factor to growth. A bit of luck along the way also helps.”

Multichem supplies a range of inks, such as highlighter, flip-chart and permanent, top pen manufacturers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .