A WATERPROOFING system developed by a Tees Valley company is attracting attention from around the world for use on everything from aquariums to car parks.

John T Metcalfe Ltd, of Thornaby, has won contracts for its Metflex technology in the Middle and Far East.

It has also secured work on vehicles owned by the Ministry of Defence and on ornamental pools for customers that include The National Trust.

A £200,000 contract in the Middle East was won against in the face of competition from a leading Japanese company and owners of aquariums in Belgium and Germany came to John T Metcalfe after searching Europe for a company that could solve their leakage problems.

The company sees considerable potential in the defence sector and other potential projects include the vehicle fleet of a major supermarket chain and one of the UK's largest shopping centres.

Its future plans have been helped by a £150,000 investment grant from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), the subsidiary of Corus that supports new and growing businesses in steel.

The Metflex range of specialist membranes prevents as well as repairs damage to concrete and other structures caused by water and chemical seepage.

Owner John Metcalfe started the company with his wife, Denise, in 1989, and developed the new product range a few years ago.

The company has 18 employees and is expecting to take on another 12 during the next two or three years to cope with growing demand.

He said: "Without UKSE investment, we would not be in a position to exploit that, so it is very important to us."

Mr Metcalfe was introduced to UKSE by business advisor and accountant Terry Truran, at Keith Robinson and Co.

Published: 15/06/2004