Ballymena diagnostics company CIGA Healthcare has signed $5 million (£4.1 million) worth of export contracts to Europe and the Middle East.
The sales are for digital thermometers and glucose monitors to new markets, including Turkey and Egypt.
The deals come despite difficult market conditions for the company which embarked on a global marketing last year, including attending the Arab Health exhibition in Dubai.
“We have been facing strengthening headwinds in recent months with transport and distribution delays and rising costs,” CIGA Healthcare’s founder and chief executive officer Irwin Armstrong said. “Trading conditions are particularly volatile yet our marketing efforts at home in the Irish and British retail markets as in the international sphere have been paying off.”
The company also supplies blood monitors, pregnancy tests, urinary tract infection detectors and other personal health equipment under the Suresign brand. It exports to 72 countries and said it is planning a drive to expand its business in the Far East and South America.
It has recently secured CE certification for its fertility products which means it can ensure conformity with all EU-wide requirements which are also adopted by other international markets.
“Health will always be a key growth market,” Mr Irwin said. “But it is extremely competitive and to succeed requires flexibility, understanding of the latest in regulatory compliance, medical developments, participation in research and a robust supply chain.”
