A LEADING Redditch automotive firm is well along the road to forging strong partnerships with American companies.

Cirrus Technologies, based in Heming Road, employs 90 people and builds vehicle-testing equipment, such as rolling roads, for car producers in the UK and Europe.

Now it is set to exploit the large US and South American market after winning backing from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), which aids companies in overseas investment.

Managing director Brian Gale (pictured above with UK Trade and Investment adviser Alan Jones), who completed a management buy-out of Cirrus in 2002, has already been on trade visits to Brazil, Mexico and the US.

He said: "We have a significant market share over here and have been looking at ways of providing our technology globally by expanding outside these shores.

"I've been over to visit countries in the North American Free Trade Alliance and talks have gone very well indeed.

"We're looking to establish partnerships with firms which will build our products out there and supply local manufacturers.

"We've signed an agreement to introduce our product portfolio in Brazil and had an excellent response when we participated in the North American Testing Expo."

Mr Gale added: "Mexico is also a strong and growing market which is now larger than the UK and could prove very important for us.

"I've had great help from UKTI, in terms of financial support, advice and contacts."