A CABLE cleat maker, founded by an RAF bomber pilot, has reinforced its global reputation with work for an Australian power provider.

Ellis has sent cleats to Ausgrid for an underground tunnel on Sydney’s North Shore.

The company’s equipment is designed to restrain cables and can withstand forces generated in a short circuit.

The firm, based in Rillington, near Scarborough, says it has sent its Colossus range Down Under to hold cables, with bosses saying the cleat has been designed to meet rising industry demand.

Tony Conroy, Ellis’ export sales director, said the order was secured through the company’s Australian distributor, IPD Industrial Products, adding it proves the business’ worldwide standing.

He said: “We have a reputation as the market innovator and Colossus is a prime example of why this is the case.

“We identified a market need, developed a solution and as a result secured a significant order.

“The evidence of how successful an innovation Colossus is proving to be can be garnered from the fact Ausgrid approved what is very much a new product for installation in such an important power distribution project.

“It goes to show that the company and our products are seen as tried, tested and trusted the world over.”

The contract is another high-profile win for Ellis, which was set up in 1962 by former RAF bomber pilot turned plumber Arthur Ellis, who flew more than 90 missions in the Second World War.

Earlier this year, it made its French debut at Cannes, with an order to send cleats and straps to power supplier RTE for cables connecting substations in the city’s La Bocca area.

It has also supplied 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, Saudi Arabia.

In April, The Northern Echo reported how Ellis was supporting a National Grid project by sending clamps to the Woodhead Tunnel, a former rail route running from South Yorkshire to the Peak District National Park, which is being used to carry high voltage cables for a 400,000-volt power system.