Asthma testing equipment produced in York is on its way to sunnier climes in the Caribbean.

Peter Haw, left, pictured with the development team at Sessions and the Aerosol Function Testing Machines

Printers and labelling specialists Sessions of York produces Aerosol Function Testing Machines (AFTU) which ensures the correct dosage is given to asthma sufferers using inhalers.

The equipment was recently shipped to Puerto Rico for pharmaceutical giants Searle. Sessions of York recently despatched one to Glaxo Wellcome in Tokyo, and another to Astra Charnwood, Loughborough.

Sessions of York has now sold 41 of the British-designed-and-built testing and labelling systems to leading pharmaceutical companies throughout the world.

Believed to be the only machine of its type in the world, the AFTU was developed by Sessions for automatic checkweighing, testing and labelling of medical aerosol containers.

Sessions divisional manager, Peter Haw, said: "We have delivered about £500,000 of exports within the last 12 months."

Established in 1811, the company registered as William Sessions, was formerly known as The Ebor Press. It has been on its present five-acre site at Huntington Road since 1922. It has an £11 million turnover and about 200 employees.

"We have a niche market with these machines, and are one of only two companies manufacturing them worldwide."

He explained the process. "Firstly, the aerosol propellant is tested, then the valve is primed and checked. In other words the aerosol is checked to ensure the asthma sufferer gains instant relief."

The pair of machines were originally commissioned by Nycomed, recently taken over by Searle. Sessions, predominantly suppliers of self-adhesive labels, has another two divisions - machine and commercial general print.

In spite of the current economic climate, Sessions is confident about what the New Year will bring. Mr Haw said: "We hear about a lot of gloom and despondency, Some firms have taken a knee-jerk reaction and frozen projects, but Sessions has a good order book."

It currently has contracts with a cross-section of blue chip companies, including Nissan, SmithKline Beecham, Nestl and Terrys.

"Within the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and confectionery, and general packaging business, we get a good overall picture of the market," he said.

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