Black Country manufacturing firm AWI claims record export sales thanks to Italian job

Alloy Wire International, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of round, flat and profile wire, has been able to deliver more than €1.4m of product to springmakers and customers involved in medical, space exploration and an award-winning sailing team.

The firm, which employs 33 people at sites in the West Midlands and Yorkshire, has achieved this record performance thanks to its strong partnership with local agent Stefano Cappelletti – a relationship that has spanned more than two decades.

Stefano, who regularly visits the firm’s UK factory, said: “It has been a fantastic twenty years working with Alloy Wire International and something I’m very proud of.

“My first order was for Inconel X750 and that was sold to an Italian springmaker. From the initial conversations and the quality of the material, I knew this could be a real ‘business marriage made in heaven’ and this is exactly what has happened.”

He added: “We now have a very strong client base in Italy and 2024 was our best year yet with €1.4m orders secured across multiple sectors. With the global supply chain still struggling with disruption, it is fantastic to be able to call on AWI’s reliability and support - with more than ten different representatives spending time with me in Italy over the years.

“This track record and commitment has been pivotal in one of our most recent big wins, bringing an aerospace client back into our customer base after a seven-year sabbatical caused by a political decision.”

Whilst initially looking after Italy, Stefano’s scope for Alloy Wire International has grown rapidly and he now looks after clients in Albania, Greece, Portugal, San Marino and Spain.

He has also been a key representative at some of the company’s largest exhibition appearances, working with other agents and AWI’s domestic team at the likes of Wire, Wire & Tube and Valve World.

He added: “The really exciting thing for me is how we can use our material to help society achieve some big breakthroughs in space exploration, finding and improving new sources of energy and developing new technologies in aviation, medical and water processing applications.

“Not many people will realise it, but our wire and exotic alloys are often at the start of the journey for advancements that will change the world for the better.”

Tom Mander, managing director of AWI which is headquartered in Narrowboat Way, Brierley Hill, said: “Stefano has been one of our best signings. He just gets our culture and has spent so much time understanding what we do and building relationships with our sales and technical teams.

“By working together, we have ensured that we can meet the nuances and requirements of our Italian and Mediterranean customers, and this has contributed to record sales and exciting new opportunities.”

Outside of the world of wire, Stefano has a passion for good food, wine and football. He also plays drums and is planning to release a new Italian rock crossover album with his band Godzilla Clan.