Bangor firm secures major European and Middle East contracts as global demand soars
A NORTH WALES manufacturer specialising in high-performance equipment for working at height has secured a series of multi-million-pound international export contracts, marking a major milestone in its global expansion.
Bangor-based Helix Operations has landed a string of high-value export deals across Europe and the Middle East, including five landmark contracts in central Europe worth a combined €13 million, as the company continues to grow its international footprint.
The firm, which produces specialist equipment used by search and rescue teams, national defence departments and specialist police units, is now on track to almost double its annual turnover to £8 million, driven largely by rising overseas demand.
The five new multi-year European agreements will see Helix supply specialist equipment that enables teams to operate three-dimensionally in complex environments, significantly expanding safe access, egress and rescue capabilities in both urban and mountainous settings.
Further growth has come through a major order from the Middle East, secured following the company’s participation in an international trade exhibition in Dubai, where Helix showcased its equipment directly to operational end users.
Founded in 2016 as part of the DMM Wales Group, Helix Operations was established to deliver high-performance vertical access equipment for clients working in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Its specialist product range includes bespoke climbing harnesses, motorised ascenders and grapnel launchers, designed for use in both urban environments and remote terrain.
Alongside equipment manufacture, the company also provides bespoke training and maintenance services, delivered by former operational specialists, allowing teams to train realistically and operate safely.
Exports now account for 65% of Helix Operations’ revenue, with its products currently used in 51 countries worldwide, including Germany, Norway, France, Latvia, the Netherlands, Colombia, the USA and Australia. Reflecting growing demand in Europe, the company also opened a dedicated German office in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the end of 2025.
With increasing interest from Scandinavia, Southeast Asia and the United States, and £11 million in forecast export orders for 2026, the company is predicting continued strong growth over the next two years.
Managing Director Simon Marsh said:
“Exporting is our business right now. Once customers see what our equipment can do – and how it performs in real environments – it speaks for itself.
“The ability to travel to target markets, demonstrate our systems and build trust face-to-face has been fundamental to our international growth. These latest European contracts reflect years of relationship-building and listening to end users. We’re incredibly proud that organisations across the world trust equipment made here in Wales to keep people safe at height.”
Helix Operations’ export success has been supported by Welsh Government export programmes, helping the company attend major international trade exhibitions, particularly in Germany and the Middle East.
Simon Marsh added:
“Welsh Government funding for market visits and trade shows has been vital in helping us meet decision-makers, conduct demonstrations and build relationships in key territories.
“We’ve also received tailored in-market advice from International Trade Advisors and support through overseas embassy introductions, all of which have helped accelerate our global reach.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:
“Exports are vital to the Welsh economy and it’s fantastic to see Helix Operations thriving internationally following support from our export programmes.
“Exporting drives business growth and job creation across Wales, which is why we are investing £3.5 million this financial year to help Welsh businesses on their export journeys.”
Helix Operations currently employs 17 staff across its Bangor headquarters and training base in Abergele, alongside 175 staff at the DMM Wales Group manufacturing facility in Llanberis, and continues to expand its presence in Wales while growing its reach across global markets.
