A North Wales manufacturer of specialist equipment for working at height has secured a series of multi‑million‑pound export contracts across Europe and the Middle East, marking a major milestone in its international expansion.
Bangor‑based Helix Operations has signed five multi‑year agreements in central Europe worth a combined €13m, alongside a significant order from the Middle East following participation in an international trade exhibition in Dubai. The new contracts are expected to help the company almost double its turnover this year to £8m, driven largely by rising demand from overseas customers.
Growth driven by overseas demand
Helix Operations produces specialist vertical access equipment used by search and rescue teams, defence organisations and specialist police units operating in complex environments. Under the new European agreements, the company will supply systems that allow teams to move three‑dimensionally across challenging terrain, improving safe access, egress and rescue operations in both urban and mountainous settings.
Managing director Simon Marsh said the deals reflected years of engagement with international clients.
“Exporting is our business right now. Once customers see what our equipment can do – and how it performs in real environments – it speaks for itself,” he said. “The ability to travel to target markets, demonstrate our systems and build trust face‑to‑face has been fundamental to our international growth.”
Specialist portfolio and global reach
Founded in 2016 as part of the DMM Wales group, Helix Operations designs bespoke climbing harnesses, motorised ascenders and grapnel launchers for use in demanding environments. The company also offers tailored training and maintenance delivered by former operational specialists.
Exports now account for 65% of revenue, with equipment used in 51 countries including Germany, Norway, France, Latvia, the Netherlands, Colombia, the United States and Australia. Growing demand in Germany prompted the company to open a dedicated office in Garmisch‑Partenkirchen at the end of 2025.
With interest rising from Scandinavia, Southeast Asia and North America, Helix has already forecast £11 million in export orders for 2026 and expects continued growth over the next two years.
Government support
Helix said its export momentum has been supported by Welsh Government programmes that enabled the business to attend international trade exhibitions and undertake market visits. Marsh said funding for trade shows and advice from International Trade Advisors had helped the company meet decision‑makers and accelerate its global reach.
Rebecca Evans, Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said Helix’s success demonstrated the importance of exports to regional growth.
“Exports are vital to the Welsh economy and it’s fantastic to see Helix Operations thriving internationally following support from our export programmes,” she said.
As demand grows worldwide for specialist rescue and defence equipment, Helix Operations’ latest contract wins position the Bangor company for continued expansion from its North Wales base.
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