What started in a bedroom in 2008 has grown into one of North Tyneside’s leading maritime exporters. Paul Pringle, Managing Director of Solarglide, has built the Wallsend-based company into a globally recognised supplier of blinds, window wipers, window films and specialist glazing solutions for vessels of every size, from superyachts to some of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Now approaching 18 years in business, Solarglide employs 14 staff across its Silverlink sales and marketing office and its dedicated manufacturing facility in Cramlington. Every product is custom-made to the exact specifications of each vessel, ensuring a perfect fit for wheelhouses, bridges and onboard living spaces.
Shipping is firmly in Paul’s blood. He is the fourth generation of the Pringle family to work in the maritime sector and his son will create the fifth generation when he leaves university.
“My great-grandfather was a shipbuilder at Smith’s Dock on the Tyne. My grandfather followed him into the industry. My dad has spent 45 years in the maritime sector, working in gas detection for commercial ships and tankers, and he now works with me at Solarglide.” Originally from Blyth, itself a proud maritime port, Paul says the industry has always been part of his heritage.
“It’s always been in the blood. I’m proud of where I’m from.”
When Paul founded the company, his ambition was clear: to work with the world’s top five cruise companies. “We’re now doing exactly that,” he said.
Recent projects include work on a Cunard vessel, solar screens for Disney Fantasy, multiple fishing vessels, tugboats operating in the Panama Canal, and a new contract supplying a series of tugboats in Egypt.
The company is heavily involved in cruise ship outfitting and provides specialist glare and heat-reduction solutions for wheelhouses, improving safety and comfort for crews. Closer to home, Solarglide recently completed work on the Blyth pilot boat Endeavour, installing solar screens to combat extreme glare and heat in the wheelhouse.
Solarglide exports daily to destinations including Vietnam, America, Canada, China and across Europe, making it one of North Tyneside’s significant international exporters.
Exporting has become more complex in recent years, but the company has adapted.
“Brexit changed procedures and made things more difficult, and shipping is slower than it used to be. But we’ve become experts in export. Our products are going to moving destinations as ships don’t sit still, so we must be certain we can get goods there before they depart. If we don’t think we can get it there in time, we won’t send it.”
That careful logistical planning has become one of Solarglide’s competitive strengths.
While the Silverlink base handles sales and marketing, manufacturing remains firmly rooted in the region. All blinds are produced in-house at the company’s factory, along with window wipers and film supply, ensuring full quality control and bespoke precision.
“Everything we supply is made to the exact size of the ship window. Every product is custom-built for that vessel.”
Despite the international footprint, Solarglide remains proudly North East at heart , a family-led business combining maritime heritage with modern manufacturing and global ambition.
Ends
Photo Edwin Dick (Harbour Master) Mike and Paul Pringle Keith Fuller (Deputy Harbour Master) The Bigger Picture Agency
Photo; Paul and father Mike (The Bigger Picture Agency)
PR and media keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951