A CABLE cleat maker founded by a Second World War bomber pilot has broken new ground after securing a contract in Peru.

Ellis is supplying equipment for a mine substation.

Bosses say the cleats, which fix cables and can withstand short circuits, will help maintain power at the mine, which stands 4,850-metres above sea level in Peru’s Caylloma district.

Tony Conroy, sales director at Ellis, which is based in Rillington, near Scarborough, said its latest expansion was further justification of officials’ decision to build long-term overseas relationships.

He said: “To do business in Latin America, you need to be able to travel to the different markets regularly, and when you’re not visiting be available to talk to your contacts on the phone.

“In some markets we’re comfortable handling this from Rillington, but when it came to Latin America it was apparent we needed a representative working on our behalf.”

Ellis was set up in 1962 by former bomber pilot turned plumber Arthur Ellis, who flew more than 90 missions in the Second World War.

The company previously sent cable clamps to a high-speed Hong Kong train network as well as cleats to the King Abdulaziz International Airport, near Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, and The Shamiya Haram, which is part of the holy mosque in Mecca. It also supplied equipment for a substation in Barranquilla, Colombia.