THIRD Millennium Systems of Pontypool is set to break into the European electronic security market after a successful trade show in Essen.

The company has been working with WalesTrade International (WTI) via its Objective 1-funded programme Export-Assist to establish new distribution deals in Germany.

Managing director Pete Jones said: "WTI supported our visit to the Security Trade Show in Essen.

This event was extremely important as it enabled us to place our latest product line before a new audience."

The security market in Western Europe has been estimated to be worth $15.6 billion per annum.

WTI is also helping Third Millennium Systems to assess the market in France.

Chris Sweet, WTI's export development counsellor for Torfaen, said: "This company is highly focussed and is driving itself forward very proficiently. "We hope to see its export markets expand to additional European countries, and potentially, further afield."

Third Millennium was established in 1996 as a niche player in a global market. Mr Jones said: "We supply our clients with a flexible package of security options. This flexibility gives us the edge over our competitors."

WalesTrade International is the overseas arm of the Assembly.

ExportAssist is an £8m project aimed at small to medium sized enterprises based in the Objective 1 areas of Wales

They must be either first-time exporters or looking to develop new international markets.

Since its launch in December 2002 the project's managers claim to have secured over 320 new overseas business deals for Welsh companies, with 92 of those companies exporting for the first time.