A TEESDALE company which invented a revolutionary farm building has attracted export orders worth almost £1m.

Roundhouse Building Solutions – part of the Simpson & Allinson Group in Barnard Castle – has appointed a Dutch distributor to service the whole of Europe and is considering the American market.

The company introduced its circular roundhouse livestock building seven years ago.

Its open sides, high-tensile canvas roof with central air vent, and dedicated stock handling system has earned it numerous awards.

Farmers have reported healthier stock because of better ventilation, better growth rates, lower stress levels and reduced veterinary bills.

After high sales in this country the company signed up to UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI’s) Passport to Export programme and then its Gateway to Global Growth initiative. It also commissioned Overseas Market Introduction Service reports to provide an indepth view of opportunities in Germany and France.

Working closely with International Trade Adviser Maria Dotsch, the company has appointed its European distributor and recently celebrated the opening of the Roundhouse Vulcan Eifel by the State Secretary of the German Rheinland- Pfalz, Thomas Griese.

The Kordel family will use it to keep Glan cows, an old German breed that is typical of the Eifel area.

Simon Pelly, S&A group sales and marketing manager, said: “We’re delighted to have been involved in this project and it’s just the latest in our overseas successes, with export sales now nearing £1m.

“Working with UKTI, we have achieved sales in Holland, Germany and Belgium and have orders now for France as well as having completed other buildings in Lithuania and Denmark.

“I can honestly say that without UKTI, I am sure we wouldn’t be this far forward so soon and certainly wouldn’t be looking at going further afield, including the US, again with UKTI’s help.”

Contact the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 0505054 for details of services.