Gloucestershire-based global dental engineering firm continues ambitious overseas growth

Following a year of admirable growth, Gloucester's Prima Dental is continuing to strive for the 'constant pursuit of better' by looking to improve and grow its product and services, driving sales growth in 92 countries around the world.

The Department for Business and International Trade has recognised Prima Dental for its exporting prowess, with its Highly Commended Business Award within Manufacturing in its inaugural 'Made in the UK, Sold to the World' awards, celebrating the outstanding global trading success of businesses of all sizes from across the UK, which is a huge achievement for the firm.

Alun Jones, managing director and CEO at Prima Dental said: 'Recognition from an organisation like DforIT is a truly great feeling, not just for the company but for all the team who put in a lot of hard work to make Prima the success it is today. It encourages a wider reflection on our achievements.'

Marco Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export & International Trade said: 'This competition is further proof that international trade is a force for good, and that British goods and services are hugely valued overseas. The ingenuity of these winners should act as a catalyst to encourage more British businesses to explore new export markets.'

Contributing to its success, international trade is particularly significant for Prima Dental, with over 87 per cent of its turnover generated from international trade.

The USA accounts for 65 per cent of sales, with the company operating on an exclusive supplier basis with the largest distributor in the States; Europe accounts for a further 23 per cent of its sales with its strongest markets in France and Germany; as well as eight per cent of its sales coming from Asia, with the firm being the first UK dental manufacturer to set up a sales and distribution arm in India — a significant growth for the company.

The firm currently manufactures over 50 million units per year and is recognised for its product quality.

International trade for businesses like Prima Dental helps with economic growth in the UK and further promotes the brand name; and, moving forward, the firm will continue to work on its presence and gaining market share in what it calls the ‘key market opportunities’ of India, Brazil and China, in which it has plans for further growth.

But the ambition doesn't end there, in the last six years, more than £25m has been invested in a new plant and equipment for the Gloucester-based company,  with a further £7m ear-marked for 2023.

Glyn Price, chief people officer at Prima Dental said: 'With now over 260 local employees, increase in demand has enabled us to hire many new employees throughout the year, and anticipate further growth next year'.