A Tamworth automotive engineering firm is on track to head off the competition, aided by Business Link Staffordshire.
As a result of a four-year business development programme, Alcon is set to break into new markets, and the firm has already secured a contract to supply a French car manufacturer with a newlydesigned brake disc.
The company specialises in the manufacture of high specification brakes and clutches for motor sport and high performance road vehicles.
Employing 60 people, it claims to be the only UKowned motorsport brake manufacturer.
But John Moore, a former sports car racer and engineer who helped found the business in 1984, said it had been under pressure to maintain its position as market leader.
Consequently, the directors embarked on a series of investments to increase internal capability, improve efficiencies and quality, and develop the product range.
The aim was to exploit new opportunities to develop the business and to attract orders from low volume specialist original equipment manufacturers (OEM's) such as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Bentley.
He said: "The Alcon name has long been synonymous with motor sport, where our products are renowned for their performance and reliability.
"In the face of increased competition, we decided to secure the company's future by diversifying, developing our product range and expanding our market."
