A FAMILY-run business in Abercarn has received a grant to help it continue a tradition of professional model-making through the adoption of new technologies.

Drumlord, located on the Prince of Wales industrial estate, is preserving the skills of engineers and designers to transform two-dimensional drawings into 3D models using traditional and modern methods.

The company has moved forward through technology advances and chemical engineering to develop models in a range of elastomers and resins.

New stereolithography (SLA) equipment was purchased with an Assembly Investment Grant, achieved with help from Caerphilly council's economic development team.

The SLA equipment can transform a computer-aided design drawing into a product that can be artistically finished to look like an end product.

The machine operates by building the model a tenth of a millimeter at a time, using a laser directed onto a photosensitive liquid similar to an epoxy resin.

Robert Aldridge, managing director at Drumlord, said: "Prior to purchasing this equipment we had to source this service from Belgium, but now we can offer this facility locally."

Caerphilly councillor and cabinet member Rob Gough said: "Drumlord has a proud family tradition and it is good to see that they are embracing new technology to compete in the modern marketplace.

"We were glad to be able to assist the company in securing this grant and we wish them the best of luck for the future."