Telford boarding ramp firm ready for take-off

Formed in 2009, Ra'alloy makes the Aviramp boarding ramp that gives easy access to planes for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.

Orders have already come in from Qantas, Qatar Airways, Swissport and Dallas Fortworth Airport, with five new people already taken on to cope with the increase in work.

Now the firm is on the cusp of seeing a huge swell in the number of orders it receives, having recently opened much larger premises near its existing home on the Hortonwood Industrial Estate to meet demand for the ramps.

Managing director Graham Corfield said: "We've done about £300,000 worth or orders, but I'd expect this to triple over the next twelve months when you look at what we have in the pipeline.

"80% of this growth will come from abroad and we are already looking at ways where we may set-up international manufacturing operations to support the delivery of 'Aviramp' all over the world. America is possibly our first target."

The first idea for the ramps came about when the company was contacted by Oslo International Airport about the possibility of designing and manufacturing a disabled access ramp for passengers disembarking aircraft on remote stands in 2010.

The ramp needed to move quickly and conform to EU regulations, and allow wheelchair users to get up and down the walkway.

Mr Corfield added: "This is where 'Aviramp' came into the equation. It was exactly what they were looking for and even incorporated unique slip resistant flooring.

"The results have been impressive. People with reduced mobility can disembark with dignity and, on average, general passenger flow times are 30% quicker meaning less delays and possible cancellation of flights."

David Nuttall of the Manufactuiring Advisory Service believes the next year will be huge for the business.

"In the aviation sector, the gestation period for new products is extensive with most airlines wanting to see others making the initial investment," he said.

"This is now beginning to happen and our role is changing to support Ra'alloy in understanding the systems and process that it needs in place to be able to cope with the anticipated order intake so it is not swamped.

"The company has a world beating product and MAS will help it make the right decisions with regards to investment to ensure a natural migration from high end bespoke manufacture to high end serial production."

Ra'alloy employs 16 people and is on course to turnover £1.1 million this year. In addition to 'Aviramp', the company designs and manufactures aluminium access solutions, including the ramps and stairs that were used at London 2012.