Middlewich firm bounces back from coronavirus with new product

Extronics, in Dalton Way, designs and makes explosion-proof equipment for companies that work in high-risk industries – such as oil and gas, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Thanks to a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), the firm has been able to bring a new product to the market.

The new iTAG X30 product will allow companies to locate their workers in hazardous and non-hazardous areas without the need for dense Wi-Fi equipment – and it could be used to allow social distancing in high-risk workplaces.

Martin Crowe, financial director of Extronics, said: “Although Covid-19 has meant for a challenging few months for the business, the funding from HSBC UK has allowed us to avoid taking the foot off the pedal and continue with our much-anticipated launch of the new iTAG X30 into the global market.

“We are currently evaluating the practicalities of adding social distancing and tracking functionality to the iTAG X30 tag to facilitate a proximity warning – visual, sound and vibration – when two or more worker worn tags come close to each other.”

The business worked closely with Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas to develop the product and expect to receive an initial order for in excess of 1,000 units from the business.

Despite coronavirus impacting sales and production, Extronics is set to launch the product in key markets around the world – particularly the United States, Far East and Middle East.

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John Paulson, business relationship manager for HSBC UK, added: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting British manufacturers and Extronics is a great example of a leader in its field bringing innovative British-made technology to the world stage.

“The business truly understands the requirements of its customers and we look forward to seeing the iTAG X30 on the market.”