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Heavy MTL – firm's armour sees action in world's war zones

(May 6, 2009)

SOLDIERS serving in troublespots are having their lives saved by a Sheffield-based firm.

Armour-plating manufacturer MTL Group is busier than ever, because the world's military are trying to reduce the death toll from landmines and explosives.

MTL's armour is being used to reinforce the underbellies of Challenger tanks and Warrior armoured vehicles.

The company was awarded the Northern Defence Industries (NDI) Exporter of the Year Award 2009 at a conference, which was held at the Marriott Hotel, in Gosforth Park, Newcastle

Quentin Davies MP, the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, presented the award to Dr Henry Shirman, MTL's managing director.

Dr Shirman said: "Some years ago, we identified defence as an area in which we could grow our company and our export potential. For us, NDI has been key in opening doors to this sector."

NDI is a business development company founded to help small and medium sized businesses forge lucrative ties with the defence and aerospace sector.

It has established long-term partnerships and relationships with some of the biggest companies in the world and the Ministry of Defence.

MTL's success depends on reacting to constantly-changing demands from the MoD and the US Army. As vehicles are made tougher, the insurgents' arsenal becomes more diverse.

MTL exports armour components and fabrications to customers in Europe, Asia, North Africa and the US. It has also broken into the Middle East market.

Sales director Karl Stewart said: "We have been working hard to develop our overseas markets and this has resulted in MTL being awarded various prestigious contracts within the defence sector."

"We are actively supplying processed and fabricated armour into the US, Asia, Europe and now the Middle East. Our growth is highlighted by our success in these overseas markets and we are now recognised as a trusted global supplier."

Founded as Mayflower Technology in 1995, the firm was the subject of a buy-in management buyout in 2006.

Led by Dr Shirman, a team of four directors backed by the Bank of Scotland embarked on a growth strategy, changing the firm's name in February last year to MTL Group.