Bridon continues to lead the way with deep sea cable breakthrough

From modest beginnings, Bridon International has grown to become one of the world's biggest makers of fibre rope products.

Bridon, which is owned by manufacturing investor Melrose, has led the market with rope-making "firsts" since it was founded in Georgian times.

Senior figures from Doncaster-based Bridon International have presented their latest research at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, in the US.

Sara Fletcher, the company's technical development manager, said mooring cables had traditionally been made of steel wire and synthetic fibre.

However, this system had limitations in deep water and "extreme environments".

Bridon has collaborated with steel company Corus to produce a "new steel chemistry" which produces stronger, lighter products.

The company's latest product, Bridon Synthesis, is the result of a collaboration between Bridon and DuPont, with support from Leeds University.

The resulting product is a synthetic wire similar in dimensions to steel wire.

Ms Fletcher added: "It is a product with ideal properties for use in long term mooring of production facilities in ultra deepwater."

Jagan Mohanraj, Bridon's polymer technologist who has led this product initiative since early academic trials, said: "We are excited about the launch as this is a unique product.

"Developing a system that offers the benefits of both steel and fibre products illustrates Bridon's commitment to innovation."

Bridon dates from 1789, when all ropes were made of natural fibre.

Ms Fletcher said: "The industry moved to steel for higher strength and longer performance. Now we have come full circle and hi-tech fibre ropes are fulfilling the requirements of the ultra-deep offshore locations.

"Bridon has always been in the forefront of rope innovations and will continue to do so in support of customer needs."

Ms Fletcher said Bridon, which employs 700 staff in the UK, had an excellent 2009.

She added: "We have a healthy order book for the beginning of 2010. Typically our work is for large projects with long lead-time critical items, which had been committed prior to any change in the market.

"That work set us a foundation for 2009 which has enabled us to achieve another successful year."

Markets had contracted slightly, with some large spending decisions being delayed, Ms Fletcher added.

However, there had been "a high level of interest" in products that could extend service lives.

She added: "Having both steel and synthetic manufacturing facilities allow us to impartially work with clients on selecting the most appropriate solution (system) for their requirements."

Bridon also works with the mining sector, which is experiencing an improvement in activity.

She added: "Deep shaft mining experiences some of the same challenges that deepwater exploration and production regularly face."

On Bridon's plans for 2010, she said: "We will continue to exceed customer expectations, with rope innovation, service assistance and knowledge and experience-based support."

Ms Fletcher said it was "not possible or desirable" for the company to compete on low cost commodity products.

Instead, Bridon will focus on high performance systems which offer "value-added benefits with technical knowhow".

Bridon operates three factories in the UK, in Doncaster, Coatbridge in Lanarkshire and Willington Quays, near Newcastle upon Tyne. Bridon also operates three sales offices within the UK, based in Aberdeen.

Showcase for technology

Bridon International has shown off its latest innovation in rope-making at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, US.

OTC is the world's biggest event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection.

It ranks among the largest 200 trade shows held annually in the US. It regularly attracts more than 50,000 people and 2,000 companies participate in the exhibition.

Bridon International hopes that its trip to Houston will stimulate demand for its hi-tech products, as it seeks to build on a strong trading performance in 2009.