Llanberis firm’s Dragon Cam will become ‘must have’ in climbing world

Mar 11 2010 by Eva Ketley, Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

A LOCAL firm is set to fan the flames of interest worldwide with the launch of its highly innovative climbing aid – the Dragon Cam.

DMM Engineering, from Llanberis, is one of the largest manufacturers of climbing and personal safety equipment in the world.

And, it’s forecasting that its latest gizmo will become an essential “must have” piece of safety kit for climbers around the world, from Snowdonia to the Himalayas.

The cam, or camming device, is a mechanical spring loaded device that can be jammed into a tight crevice or fissure in the rock face and through a simple trigger device, expanded to hold fast to secure a climbing rope – or in the event of a fall, the climber.

DMM chairman Richard Cuthbertson said he anticipated the Dragons would account for 10% of sales over the next few years, driving up revenues by £4m.

He said: “The Dragon cams are stronger, lighter and more innovative than anything on the market and will be an essential piece of equipment for climbers tackling tough routes.”

The phenomenal strength of the Dragon cams, which have been two years in development, were illustrated at the launch event at the company’s headquarters in Llanberis when a single device weighing just 200 grams was used to support the weight of a 1.3 ton boulder.

This latest product has benefited from support from the Welsh Assembly Government business innovation programme.

Helping to launch the Dragon Cams, Lesley Griffiths, deputy minister for science, innovation and skills, said DMM’s success in a highly competitive global market was the result of its continued investment in the development of innovative products.

“Innovation and investment in product development are the twin drivers that have enabled DMM to become a world leader in its field and to maintain that lead.”

Mr Cuthbertson said support from the Assembly Government has contributed to an influx of funds into the county of nearly £50m over the last 10 years and the creation of 30 additional skilled full-time jobs.

The integrity of their products is such that NASA has used DMM’s safety clips or carabiners to ensure the safety of space walks.

DMM exports 60% of its products and employs 110 people in North Wales.

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