Nicobrand hailed for global success

A subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company, Actavis, Nicobrand, has been recognised for its outstanding achievement in International Trade having recorded overseas sales growth of over £1.6 million (785%) across a period of three years (2011-2013.)

The Castleroe company, which manufactures pharmaceutical grade nicotine ingredients for use in smoking cessation products previously won the award in 2004 and now supplies product to more than 15 countries worldwide, including Poland, Italy, Korea and the USA.

Established in Coleraine more than 30 years ago, Nicobrand has used its expertise in pharmaceuticals and nicotine to develop a new range of products specifically targeting the e-cigarette industry. This combined with a commercial focus on this new market sector has enabled the company to break into new export markets and increase its production volumes at its North Coast production facilities.

The company currently employs 25 highly skilled individuals, two thirds of which are graduates, and is proactive in encouraging local students to pursue studies within Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects through engagement with local schools and colleges.

Managing Director of Nicobrand, Mark McQuillan, said: “We are extremely proud nd honoured to have won this award for the second time. The Queen’s Award is a highly regarded mark of excellence and one of the most prestigious business accolades. Over the past number of years we have worked extremely hard to grow our business to meet demand from the electronic cigarette industry and through this we have achieved substantial export sales.

The award is testament to the hard work of all of our team. We are a global leader in the nicotine business and are very proud of that fact that we manufacture these high quality nicotine products at our facility here in Coleraine.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work hard as a team and use this foundation to drive further exports and success for our company.”

Winners of the Queen’s Award are presented with a crystal bowl and are invited to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace in July.