ReAgent, a third-generation family-run chemical manufacturing business and recent recipient of the King’s Award for International Trade, has secured more than £1.4m in funding to support its ambitious plans for global growth and sustainability.
Founded in 1977, the Cheshire-based manufacturer has built a reputation for supplying both standard ‘off the shelf’ chemicals and custom chemical solutions across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, construction, and manufacturing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company played a critical role by supplying reagents for test kits and isopropanol for hand sanitiser production.
International trade has become a cornerstone of ReAgent’s success. Since 2022, overseas sales have surged by 59%, and exports now make up a growing share of total revenue. That rapid growth led to the company’s recognition with a prestigious King’s Award for International Trade earlier this year, with CEO Rich Hudson receiving the honour from King Charles.
Recent investment has enabled ReAgent to make significant upgrades across its operations, including the installation of bespoke mixing vessels, enhanced flammable materials handling systems, and improvements to cleanroom facilities. These upgrades have expanded the company’s production capabilities and opened doors to new industries and markets.
Alongside operational enhancements, the business is also scaling up its environmental credentials. A large solar array, comprising 1,500 panels, has been installed to power the factory, allowing ReAgent to source its own renewable energy and offset an estimated 300,000 kilos of CO₂ annually. These developments build on existing sustainability certifications, including ISO 14001 and an Ecovadis Bronze Award, with the company now working toward Silver accreditation — placing it among the top 15% of companies globally for sustainability management.
“Pressure for greener energy and net zero targets throughout the industry presents huge opportunity and has made future proofing the business a key priority for us,” said CEO Rich Hudson. “The recent investment has been instrumental in enhancing our operational efficiency and driving business growth, while also helping us take major steps toward our sustainability goals. Seeing that recognised with the King’s Award has been incredibly rewarding.”
Looking ahead, ReAgent has set its sights firmly on international expansion, underpinned by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer service. The company continues to invest in new technologies and infrastructure to ensure it remains at the forefront of the chemical manufacturing industry — in the UK and beyond.
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