Mid Wales company, Dulas, has played a vital role in supporting immunisation programmes all over the globe, helping ensure people in some of the most rural parts of the world have access to the vaccines they need.
The company, which is based in Machynlleth, Powys, provides a wide range of renewable energy products and services as well as manufacturing solar powered refrigerators for the safe storage of vaccines which are used in developing countries that do not have access to electricity.
Established in 1982, the company has grown to have a global presence, last year exceeding £6.5 million in international sales thanks to its export strategy. Today, exports account for 60% of Dulas’ trade and its products can be found in over 80 countries, including across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.
Following recent successes in West Africa, including £2.5 million worth of deals, Dulas has set its sights on expanding further, with the aim to increase sales and strengthen local capacity across the region.
Dulas’s exports have been strengthened in recent years thanks to investments it has made into research and development which have helped to enhance its product portfolio and meet stringent Performance, Quality and Safety (PQS) accreditations from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Meeting these standards enables Dulas to continue to supply solar vaccine refrigeration systems to remote communities across the world.
Notably, Dulas has recently undertaken a number of Welsh Government market visits to target regions in West Africa as well as attended trade shows in Europe, Dubai and Panama. These have led directly to new business for the company, opening up doors to new partners and clients, and the firm is keen to continue attending such events to explore further opportunities with potential global partners.
Catherine McLennan, commercial lead at Dulas, said: “It is vital for our business that we have trusted in-country partners who have expert local knowledge who we can work with on the in-country delivery, installation and training of our solar powered refrigerator systems. The great thing about being based in Wales is that we have access to Welsh Government support that enables us to attend overseas exhibitions and meet with potential partners in a range of countries.
“We are also supported with research to identify potential local companies who can help us overcome one of the primary challenges we face, which is the logistical issue of getting our products to their final destinations in hard to reach locations.
“The support we have received means that we can further expand our network and continue to deliver life-saving vaccines to those that need them the most.”
Another key focus for Dulas is sustainability, and the company has pledged to become net zero as part of a commitment to the UN Race to Zero campaign.
The manufacturer appointed a dedicated sustainability officer last year to oversee the delivery of the Net Zero Action plan which includes using Green Energy tariffs for its premises, reducing the company diesel vehicles and replacing with electric, launching a travel carbon calculator (to help staff make greener travel choices), bringing a company wind turbine back into operation for green energy generation and implementing a programme of carbon awareness and skills training for staff.
The company believes that its emphasis on innovation and quality, combined with its commitment to sustainable practices, makes it a perfect partner for suppliers and customers all around the world to consider working with.
For more information on Dulas, visit: Dulas - Clean Energy | Healthy Lives
To see our other Dulas case study, please click here.
