Powder characterisation specialist Freeman Technology is delighted to announce that the company is to receive the 2012 Queen's Award for Enterprise in the category International Trade. Recognised around the world, the Queen's Awards for Enterprise are Britain's most coveted commercial prizes and this appreciation of Freeman Technology's rapidly growing international presence follows the company's 2007 Queen's Award in the category of Innovation.
"Freeman Technology's first Queen's Award in 2007 celebrated our development of the FT4 Powder Rheometer and the unique contribution it makes to understanding powders - and to supporting manufacturing industry in its drive to improve efficiency and productivity," said Managing Director, Tim Freeman. "Five years on, not only do we have a proven instrument, we have unparalleled real-world experience, expertise and applications knowledge that supports the use of the system. It is this combination that is proving so powerful to companies across the globe, and which has driven our international business growth, resulting in a doubling of our export sales in just three years. "
The FT4 Powder Rheometer delivers information that helps powder processing industries to maximise process and product understanding, and accelerate R&D, formulation and commercialisation, as well as supporting process optimisation. FT4 systems are installed in many different sectors, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, toners, foods, powder coatings, metals, ceramics, cosmetics and other industries.
Paying tribute to colleagues around the world, Tim Freeman confirmed that 2012 is proving to be a highly significant year for Freeman Technology, with a great deal of planning and development coming to fruition.
"Winning this Queen's Award in the International Trade category really affirms Freeman Technology's establishment in world markets and reflects the commitment and hard work of all our teams and partners" he said. "Ever since the launch of the FT4 Powder Rheometer more than 8 years ago, strong sales have been supported directly in Europe and the United States, and through distribution partners in Japan. Now with our experience and expertise across many different applications, we are successfully entering many new markets where the FT4 is helping to solve the same problems that challenge powder processors the world over."
In response to increasing demand for the FT4, Freeman Technology has strengthened sales and applications support in a number of territories. In the past 12 months the company has established a new direct operation in North America and extended its distribution partnerships to include China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, all underpinned by a move last year to larger premises in the UK, extending the scope for manufacturing and support.
"The key to our success and the success of our customers is that we now have many years of research to draw upon, to help our customers find their way through the complexity of powder processing. This gives us a deep understanding of powder characterisation and how to interpret and apply the data to the many different challenges that powder processors face. We have some exciting times ahead as we continue to grow and learn about new and existing powders and processes."