A WONDER substance firm has revealed a “compelling” new technology as it bids to strengthen global expansion plans.

Applied Graphene Materials (AGM) says its Structural Ink platform will increase mechanical toughness across manufacturers’ varied apparatus.

The business is now progressing with a joint development agreement to gain a further foothold in the aerospace sector, having already unveiled a stellar satellite deal with Airbus Defence and Space and a supply agreement with Wearside fishing rod maker Century Composites.

AGM, based at the Wilton Centre, near Redcar, produces graphene, which is acclaimed by experts for being ultra-lightweight yet overtly tough and capable of conducting electricity, despite being as thin as a human hair.

Formed as a spin-out of Durham University, the firm has worked for a number of years to build its technology and market repute, with its aforementioned deals complemented by work with SHD Composites, which could see its graphene used in motorsport parts, and support for paint supplier James Briggs on anti-corrosion coatings.

However, Jon Mabbitt, chief executive, who only last month told The Northern Echo that AGM was ready to take the next step in its evolution with “a hell of a lot going on”, said its Structural Ink venture will provide another avenue for growth, revealing four companies are now exploring its aptitude.

Mr Mabbitt also confirmed its joint development agreement will see it work alongside the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Centre with Boeing.

He said: “We are very excited about the opportunity that Structural Ink opens up for us and our customers.

“While we continue to collaborate with customers on developing tailored graphene, this technology offers another route to market and a tried and tested product that we believe will be very compelling for users.

“The foundations we have laid over the last three years are really starting to bear fruit.”

One of the companies exploring Structural Ink is Prodrive Composites Limited, which has a base in Milton Keynes and produces lightweight, high-performance parts for the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors.

John McQuilliam, chief engineer, said AGM’s technology will provide the business with a major boost going forward.

He added: “We have investigated the potential for graphene and identified several application areas for development and ideally early adoption.

“We feel confident AGM represents a strong partner.

“Some features of their graphene technology are quite unique, but we are reassured adoption into other applications has already been proven.”

AGM’s Airbus agreement is expected to see its graphene used in mobile phone and broadcasting satellites, while Mr Mabbitt has also held talks with global fishing rod makers, who have been impressed by its Century Composites work.

The company previously raised £11m from an AIM market flotation but has recorded losses as it continues to build its market presence, increase production capacity and carry out sampling work with potential customers.

However, Mr Mabbitt said that while the business expects a £4m deficit in its latest financial year, it is in a good position.

He told the Echo: “We are into the hard yards (and the work we are doing) should manifest itself over the next couple of years.”