Pioneer of solar fridges for life-saving vaccines wins Powys Business Award

An industry pioneer in solar refrigeration and cold chain solutions, which deliver life-saving vaccines to immunise millions of children around the world, has won a Powys Business Award.

Dulas, based in Machynlleth, collected the ‘Judges Special Award’, sponsored by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, at the annual awards ceremony held at The Infantry Battle School, Dering Lines, Brecon at on Friday night.

The company was also a runner-up in the Welsh Government sponsored ‘International Trade’ category of the awards, which are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG).

Founded in 1982 by engineers from the Centre for Alternative Technology, Dulas is an employee-owned business that now employs over 100 staff, including at its manufacturing base, with a dedicated team working on international trade.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this award” said Catherine McLennan, commercial lead at Dulas. "It’s a fantastic recognition of the dedication, expertise and hard work of our team, as well as the support we have received from the Welsh Government and our partners over many years.

“As we continue to expand our reach across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, we remain committed to delivering life-saving technologies that improve healthcare access and help protect even more children around the world.”

The company designs and manufactures life-saving technology - a single 100 litre refrigerator can store enough vaccines to immunise more than 10,000 children.

Dulas equipment has protected millions of lives in remote communities across more than 80 countries across the globe. It is the only UK manufacturer of World Health Organisation (WHO) PQS accredited solar refrigerators.

International trade is one of the core drivers of Dulas’s commercial success, consistently generating more than half of total company turnover. More than 800 fridges have been delivered to Yemen this year with new projects secured in Peru, Brazil and Burkina Faso.

Dulas continues to strengthen its global presence and in-country partner network across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin, Angola, Togo and Guinea, expanding into the wider life sciences market.

In 2024, the business acquired a medical product range - LMS Cooled Incubators - and introduced a range of ‘Dulas Life Sciences’ pharmacy and medical refrigerators for healthcare and laboratory environments, recently securing the first sales in the UK and mainland Europe.

Dulas’ success in a competitive international market is based on product quality, technical expertise and specialist knowledge of solar direct drive vaccine refrigeration, designed for last mile health centres with no reliance on grid electricity or generators.

The company is launching its new generation of EMS (Equipment Monitoring System) refrigerators allowing enhanced data monitoring to meet new WHO criteria.

“For more than four decades, Dulas has built a strong international business from its base in Mid Wales,” explained Corrie Jones, Dulas’ international marketing co-ordinator.

“Through sustained export success, continued innovation and a proven ability to compete internationally, Dulas demonstrates what a dedicated Powys business can achieve on the global stage.”

The judges said they were unanimous in selecting a company that provides life-changing impacts across the world.

“Dulas is making a meaningful difference in some of the world’s most challenging locations, supported by a clear sense of purpose,” they said. “Its ability to operate effectively in harsh environments demonstrates considerable expertise, determination and innovation, together with a strong commitment to lasting impact.”