Alusid raises £1.3m funding

It already has a string of high-profile customers and now has its sights set on international expansion.

The fundraising has been supported by new and existing investors, including Frontier IP. The group has converted a £348,000 loan into new equity in Alusid.

Currently, Alusid makes table tops, tiles and other surfaces through a batch process using three kilns at its plant in Preston.

The move follows the successful testing of a pilot production line with world-leading Italian ceramic equipment company, Sacmi Group, which will also help to design the new factory. The Alusid process means the factory will be much more energy efficient than those used for making conventional tiles.

Dr Alasdair Bremner, co-founder and chief operating officer of Alusid, said: “The building industry is increasingly looking for innovative sustainable products such as SilicaStone. This successful fundraising will enable Alusid to move to the next stage in development where we can really capitalise on the economies of scale coupled with lower energy and material costs.”

Alusid is attracting strong interest, and currently has more than 100 projects in its pipeline. SilicaStone buyers include Amazon, Four Seasons Hotels, Nando’s and Wells Fargo bank, which is using the material in its prestigious new London HQ. The company won this year’s Jonathan Hindle prize for outstanding design in 2D materials, awarded by the Furniture Makers’ Company. The company is also actively exploring opportunities for international expansion, either through licensing or establishing joint ventures. Initial interest has been expressed by organisations in the United States, China and Portugal.