A Sunderland drinks device manufacturer is toasting growth in the US fuelled by a £1m funding package.
JetChill designs, manufactures and sells innovative devices for the hospitality industry, including its bestselling Flavour Blaster Pro, which creates a smoke-filled fragrant bubble on the top of drinks. Launched by entrepreneur Colin Myers and manufacturer Robert Flunder four years ago, the company’s kits are now used by many of the world’s top bars and at celebrity parties.
JetChill made its first international sale in 2011 to a hotel in Poland and now sells its products in a total of 138 countries, including the US, Australia and across Europe. As global demand grows for JetChill’s products, the company has tapped into funding to increase its workforce and expand further into international markets, thanks to a package from HSBC UK.
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It will use the funding to lease a 9,000 sqft warehouse, allowing it to hold 300% more stock as it focuses on increasing its presence in the US. As part of its expansion, JetChill has also broadened its customer base and now sells its products like the Flavour Blaster and JetChill Dry Ice Systems directly to consumers via its website. Previously the company sold predominantly to businesses, including household names like Disney and The Marriott.
The company has also grown, taking on six new members of staff this year across engineering, sales, marketing, and distribution, bringing the total number of employees to 15.
Mr Myers said: “We’re proud to play our role in driving the economy in the North East and are thrilled to be selling pioneering products directly to customers. We love seeing how excited customers get over these unique experiences – and they can now dazzle guests from the comfort of their own homes. Our products sell well in the US so we’re really excited to be in a position to expand our presence overseas too.”
Mark Smith, relationship manager at HBSC UK, added: “JetChill’s innovative and exciting products make them a standout operator in the North East. We’ve enjoyed working with the team on their growth strategy and look forward to continuing to support them as they explore new markets overseas.”
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