Folkestone-based engineering company Dyrhoff has secured a major contract in the US to supply flood protection equipment, supported by a $475,000 facility guaranteed by UK Export Finance (UKEF).
The deal will see Dyrhoff deliver two pneumatically operated spillway gates for a flood protection project in North Dakota. The financing facility, issued by NatWest and backed by UKEF, enabled the company to meet the bonding requirements needed to secure the international contract.
Dyrhoff, which has been designing and supplying inflatable rubber dams and spillway gates for over 30 years, has worked on more than 150 projects in over 30 countries. Its products are used for flood control and water management, with past clients in the US, Canada, Italy, Norway, Turkey, Portugal, and Indonesia.
The company said the North Dakota project is one of its largest to date. As a result of recent contract wins, it plans to expand staffing at its manufacturing base in Folkestone, Kent.
“We have been providing market-leading rubber dam and spillway solutions since 1989, but the support afforded by UKEF has enabled us to set our sights on an exciting overseas growth opportunity,” explained Don Mason, Director at Dyrhoff, “By assisting us in winning such a significant project for the business, UKEF support has set us up to carry on building momentum in key markets like the USA. Despite economic uncertainty in the market, we are now well placed to use this project as a springboard for success.”
UKEF is the UK government’s export credit agency. Its support is part of a broader initiative to boost British exports and contribute to infrastructure development abroad.
Lisa Maddison-Brown, UKEF’s Export Finance Manager for Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex, said: “We are really pleased to be able to assist a business which maintains a focus on developing critical infrastructure to keep areas safe from flooding. A key goal of ours is to continue placing British engineering at the heart of vital projects worldwide, and Dyrhoff is helping to do just that.”
“I’m delighted to announce NatWest’s Trade Finance support for Dyrhoff, as they secure a significant export contract creating impactful engineering solutions that serve a crucial international and domestic purpose,” added Ellie Morrison, Trade Finance Manager at NatWest. “The financing package has equipped Dyrhoff to meet essential bonding requirements, thereby enabling the company to secure and mobilise on this project. This partnership, facilitated with the support of UK Export Finance, aligns with NatWest’s commitments to foster the growth of UK-based businesses and contributing to vital infrastructure projects worldwide.
“Dyrhoff are a great example of a successful UK exporter and NatWest is proud to support the business with the financial solutions they need to thrive globally.”
The announcement follows the release of UKEF’s 2024/25 annual report, which highlighted £14.5 billion in support for UK exporters, helping to sustain up to 70,000 jobs.
