Hertfordshire-based leaf chain manufacturer FB Chain Ltd has seen a significant increase in its export business.

Overseas orders now account for about 40% of FB's annual turnover, with demand for the company's range of chain products particularly strong from forklift and conveyor systems manufacturers and users in Malaysia and the USA.

In 2008, exports accounted for less than 20% of turnover.

The company's increased exports come at a time when many UK-based manufacturers are complaining that the strength of the pound is not conducive to export business.

Managing director Peter Church, who has been instrumental in driving the export initiative, says: "The strength of the pound does not make life any easier for UK-based companies looking to develop overseas markets - particularly the Euro bloc - but we are operating globally and we have worked hard to rationalise our supply chain to ensure that we are competitive across a range of territories. We are reaping the benefits of this approach."

He adds: "The Chancellor, George Osborne, has pinned his hopes on an export-led recovery and we feel that we are playing our part."

FB recently invested almost GBP300,000 (USD476,221) in new production machinery at its Letchworth plant to boost efficiency in its manufacturing operation.

FB Chain is the UK subsidiary of Addtech AB, a Swedish company listed on the Stockholm stock exchange. It claims to be the leading supplier of leaf chain and associated products for the mechanical handling industry in the UK and Ireland