UK Trade & Investment’s networking functions helped ACO International meet relevant contacts as it established its new South African headquarters.

The ACO Group is a world leader in the manufacture and supply of surface drainage systems for use in airports, highways and sports stadiums among others. Manufactured from corrosion resistant polymer concrete and stainless steel, these systems provide an ideal solution for the removal and containment of surface water and other liquids.

The company first started exporting to South Africa in 1991. In 2012, ACO International decided to permanently expand its operations there, and in May opened a new office in Pretoria. ACO International asked UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to arrange and host a networking event to meet new business contacts and introduce the new team to the market. It was a great success, and in the months since opening its headquarters, ACO International has won new business.

“UKTI has influential local contacts and their assistance meant that we had a personal audience with people that would otherwise be difficult for us to meet,” says Keith Lambourne, MBE, Export Director at ACO International. “The contacts we met through UKTI have resulted in new local contracts and have helped us to grow our business more quickly and cost efficiently than we would have been able to do on our own.”

Read the full case study detailing how UKTI helped the ACO Group develop its business in South Africa.

Company: ACO Group

Industry: Construction

UKTI Service: Overseas Market Introduction Service(OMIS)

Website : www.acobuildingdrainage.co.uk

Contacts

Information about the range of support services from UKTI is available through your local UKTI office