A TECHNOLOGY firm behind a so-called wonder substance has secured its first production order.

Applied Graphene Materials (AGM) is helping make fishing rods.

The company, based at the Wilton Centre, near Redcar, produces graphene, which is acclaimed by experts for its overt toughness.

Bosses say the company has now obtained its first production order and commercial application deal with Century Composites, which will see the fishing operator use AGM’s graphene nanoplatelets in its Graphex range.

The agreement is a major fillip for AGM, which was spun out of Durham University, and could soon be followed by a string of similar announcements.

Officials previously confirmed the business has an agreement with paint supplier, James Briggs Limited, which is expected to see the operator use graphene in anti-corrosion primers.

The company is also supporting Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine Coatings and corrosion management operation TWI Limited, with further agreements believed to be in the pipeline.

The Northern Echo understands AGM’s Century order came first because regulatory work and testing on graphene in sporting goods takes less time than it does to secure safety and hazard approval across fluids and lubricants.

Jon Mabbitt, chief executive, said the fishing contract was verification of AGM’s ability.

He said: “We are pleased to announce our first production order with Century.

“It follows a period of successful collaboration to ensure the effective transfer of the properties of our graphene into Century’s existing production processes.”

Earlier this year, Mr Mabbitt told The Northern Echo an £8.5m shares offer would help AGM create new jobs and bolster work on its material.

The company employs about 40 people but Mr Mabbitt said that as further talks get underway with interested firms, more staff would be needed to support the ventures.

The business previously raised £11m from an Alternative Investment Market flotation, but its expansion has been helped by a further £8.5m shares offer, with around £1m spent this year to help product development.

Mr Mabbitt said its financial planning, coupled with industry-approved studies that reiterate its graphene claims around corrosion protection, puts it in a strong position.

He added: “James Briggs is an excellent company but we have other engagements we hope will lead to more results in the not too distant future.

“We will need people for business development and sales and technical people; it will be across the board.

“We are cracking on with Sherwin and TWI; Sherwin are the largest paint maker globally, so we feel we have a got an exciting development partner.

“We are going into a growth phase; what we are trying to do is focus on the products where there is a true commercial benefit and it is a viable, long-term proposition.”