Pictured above: (l-r) Frank Kelly, Sarah Vaughan (both UK Fllod Barriers), Peter Luff MP and Alison Philips (MAS-WM)

An innovative Droitwich business is leading the way when it comes to flood protection after securing a major global distribution deal. 

UK Flood Barriers, which has been supported by the Manufacturing Advisory Service-West Midlands (MAS-WM), will be responsible for rolling-out the Self Closing Flood Barrier (SCFB) to the Environment Agency, local authorities, business and residential properties across the UK and Eire. 

This unique passive flood defence system, designed by Dutch Engineers, automatically rises like a floating wall when water levels rise and according to the firm could have helped reduce the extent of recent devastation in Queensland.

Numerous organisations have already declared an interest in the SCFB and plans are underway to bring the manufacture of the product to the West Midlands over the next eighteen months.

"With one in six homes in England being at risk of flooding, the requirement to increase levels of investment in flood protection will be high on the agenda over the next decade," explained Sarah Vaughan, Managing Director.

"We believe the Self Closing Flood Barrier will play a significant role in how we tackle this problem going forward. Over its lifetime, it costs half the amount of conventional systems, requires no maintenance or electric power and is proven to be the most resilient and effective product on the market with a 100% success rate."

Frank Kelly, CEO added: "The Self Closing Flood Barrier is an extremely versatile and dynamic structure that can be installed along a waterway, in coastal defences, to surround low lying buildings and protect entrances.  

"The simplicity of the system is key. It uses the rising flood water to automatically activate the wall, thus eliminating the need for manual intervention. The SCFB can span any width - and I am talking miles - and currently rises to a height of 2.5 metres. 

"With serious events on the increase around the world, our unique flood defence systems are perfectly placed to help minimize the devastation caused by extreme high waters."

Launching the product into the domestic marketplace will spearhead UK Flood Barriers growth over the next twelve months, with business expected to double to more than £2m by 2012. 

This expansion has already seen three new positions created and, based on current predictions, a further ten production and technical jobs will be available shortly.

Frank added: "We have established a new company, Global Flood Defence Systems, to launch the product on the international market and we are already talking to interested parties in China, America and Australia, as well as a host of local authorities in the UK.

"It is currently being manufactured in Vietnam, but due to our focus on quality engineering, precision manufacture and the need for shorter lead times, we are currently working with MAS-WM to look at bringing production back to the UK."

Based on Hampton Lovett Industrial Estate, UK Flood Barriers is acknowledged as the leading manufacturer and installer of superior flood defence products. 

The Self Closing Flood Barrier compliments the existing Flood Angel range that includes the Flood Defender, Backflow Valve and the revolutionary BSI accredited Airbrick. 

The company, which is the only one in the UK flood defence sector to hold four Kitemark licensed products, has also just completed the extension of its BSI approved testing facility that now allows them to provide flood simulation at depths of up to 1 metre, bow waves and water speeds in excess of 1.5metres/second.

Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire and Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, gave his support. 

"This technology could help change the way the world prevents flooding and I'm delighted that a local company is at the forefront of rolling it out.

"I've worked with UK Flood Barriers for some time and I know how hard the team work to make innovation a crucial part of their business. It is also great to see it making the most of the excellent support offered by the Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands."

Alison Phillips, Sourcing Specialist at MAS-WM, concluded: "Advanced manufacturing is going to be a major driver in our economy and the fact the management team is looking to re-locate manufacturing to the region is a real boost.

"We have already started to work with them on identifying potential suppliers and there is a real opportunity to create a truly Midlands supply chain."