A world-recognised materials technology company is broadening its horizons into the Far East with new sales centres in China and Japan.

Lucideon, which has its headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, is in talks to open up sales offices in Shanghai and Tokyo. The move comes after the company won a clutch of new contracts from Japanese and Chinese organisations.

Up to now, Lucideon’s international focus has been centred on America, which is still a vital location for the business, served by its offices and laboratories based in North and South Carolina, and New York State. However, a recent three-week visit to the Far East, led by Lucideon’s CEO Tony Kinsella, saw a strong interest in Lucideon’s technologies.

Mr Kinsella said: “We have always exported to China and Japan, but there has been an increasing appetite for our work.

“Our technologies were particularly well-received by the Japanese industry. We found the atmosphere for business very forward looking, with a real appreciation of technological advantages that can give product and production improvements.

“We have already been invited to go back in the autumn and hope to sign further contracts, develop more clients and progress the launch of the new sales offices, during that trip.”

This is the latest international success for Lucideon, which originated from the Stoke-on-Trent’s British Ceramics Research Association, established in 1948, the heartland of the ceramics industry.

Lucideon employs more than 200 staff around the world – with the vast majority based in Stoke-on-Trent, providing highly skilled opportunities in an area looking to utilise its historic links to the Potteries industry to tap into new and emerging technologies.

The nature of its work requires top-flight expertise in science, technology and engineering, with 65% of employees holding a university degree and more than 30 staff members having Masters or PhDs.

The company has recently taken on seven new graduates to meet increasing demand.

Mr Kinsella added: “Our history means that over the decades we’ve delivered innovation after innovation, along the way learning, experiencing and nurturing new scientific and engineering developments.

“Our customers have access to an exceptional pool of talent in Stoke-on-Trent, while the international opportunities we achieve give wide-ranging opportunities for the team.

“It is a process which is really opening up global markets for us.”

www.lucideon.com