Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers was impressed by a tour of the Alford Technologies headquarters at Chippenham last week.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland visited to see how the firm produces counter-terrorism and battlefield clearance products.

Alford products form an integral part of national security for many nations around the world, including the UK and Northern Ireland, by mitigating the threat from terrorism and explosive threats.

MP Theresa Villiers said: “Alford Technologies are a fantastic example of a unique Chippenham company whose products are saving countless lives throughout the world.

“I am pleased that in Government we are supporting local firms like Alford to reduce the burden of red tape and making it easier for them to create local jobs and grow our economy.”

She visited on March 22 with the Conservatives’ prospective parliamentary candidate for Chippenham Michelle Donelan, who said: “Alford are a great local success story. The value of their work is immeasurable. Their equipment is cutting edge and all their products are invented here in Chippenham.”

Alford products are used to support police breachers in hostage rescue operations and in commercial demolition and dismantling. They consist of explosive charge containers that are supplied empty and loaded with explosive as required by the user for specific operations.

Founder and chairman Sidney Alford said this allowed improvised explosive devices to be safely disarmed with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

Dr Alford said: “We have a small team of very enthusiastic people who apply their knowledge and ingenuity to the development of products, and we hope that these can continue to support activities related to national security.

“We are very pleased that the Secretary of State took the time to see us during her visit to the county.”