Darlington manufacturer seeks US special relationship

A Darlington company is looking to cement its own “special relationship” with an American partner as part of an ambitious plan to launch its products into the world’s biggest market.

MicroSlat, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of shop display systems, is seeking an international partner for its aluminium product range.

The company, which is based at Morton Park, in Darlington, has already carved an enviable international reputation for quality and strength.

Its products are used by some of the biggest names on the British High Street, including mobile phone companies EE, Vodafone and 3 Mobile, the Hamleys toy store in London, the Sage music centre, Gateshead, and world-famous Knightsbridge department store Harrods.

Managing director Terry Dady conceives and designs all the company’s products himself.

The MicroSlat shelving system uses a unique modular design of interlocking sections which means it can be either wall-mounted or free-standing. It can even be used in open-plan offices as lightweight dividing walls and is available in a wide range of colours and finishes.

The company, which started in 1998, already has an affiliate in Australia and now it is looking to launch its products in America.

Mr Dady explained: “We know our products are the Rolls-Royce of the slatwall market and I believe there is huge unmet demand across North America for a well-designed product that offers strength and innovative design.

“But in order to really sell our products into the world’s biggest market we need an American partner. That’s why we are looking for a collaborator who shares our vision and, more importantly, our ambition.”

Mr Dady said: “The only limit to our product is your imagination. MicroSlat makes the ordinary extra-ordinary.”