A NORTH-EAST firm is exporting Down Under as it aims to dive into a £300m market.

WRL Glass Media, part of Ward Recycling, is doing business in Australia to help clean swimming pools.

Bosses say demand has risen significantly for its recycled glass products, which are used in shot blasting and water filtration.

The latter is now being used in Australia, thanks to a partnership with a Queensland-based distributor.

The glass is shipped to Sydney Harbour before being distributed to customers, and is said to be cheaper and cleaner than silica sand.

The company, based in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, is also exporting into Estonia to help building restoration.

It is working with Propritis on a glass abrasive for shot blasting exteriors as an alternative grit and plastic products.

Gareth Godwin, WRL Glass Media manager, said: “The addition of international sales markets strengthens our business and further reinforces the efficacy of our glass media.

“We are particularly excited about the new Australian agreement.

“The country’s swimming pool industry is worth in the region of £300m and we believe the quality and effectiveness of our water filtration glass media has the potential to have a positive impact on the market.”

The company now exports to Spain, Greece, France, Iceland and Cyprus, and earlier this year saw sales increase 81 per cent for its glass media products.

It has also opened a £450,000 glass clean up extension to help meet demand.