A QUARTER of a century in business is being marked by a York-based abrasive consumables supplier with the launch of an export division to target international sales growth.

Abracs, based in Clifton Moor, is forecasting worldwide demand for its products to expand following six consecutive years of double-digit growth.

The company was originally established in 1989 as part of a York-based power tool supplier, demerging in 2003.

Last year, the family-owned firm was sold to the existing management team led by managing director Robert Jeffery.

Mr Jeffrey said: "A proactive approach to developing products for many different industries and markets, combined with our commitment to market leading service and a loyal, growing customer base are key elements that have consistently helped to drive our growth."

The original Abracs product range comprised abrasive cutting and grinding discs which remains one of the main product lines today.

However, now the range also incorporates rail grinding products, flap discs, sanding discs, surface conditioning products, mounted wheels, non-woven finishing products, diamond blades, hole saws, coated abrasives, wire brushes and other accessories, with a number of new ranges being researched.

Earlier this year, Abracs launched a new export division which has already yielded significant results.

Mr Jeffrey said: "Worldwide demand for abrasives is forecast to expand, particularly in Western Europe and the Middle East, and we are confident that we can maximise these new opportunities.

"We continue to make good progress in developing and adapting our business to make it more efficient and responsive to market developments and evolving customer needs.

"On our 25th anniversary, we’re saying a special thank you to all our customers, suppliers and workforce who have helped to make Abracs the company it is today."

Area sales manager Danny Chambers has been with Abracs throughout its 25 year history, and has seen the team grow from the original two to 25, with plans to increase the York-based workforce further this year.

He said: "We have an excellent reputation for giving our distributors what they need to help them grow their businesses, and we continue to build on that reputation to gain a foothold in new markets and industries.

"These are exciting times for the business and its customers and we’re looking forward to the next quarter century."