Silsden company Snugpak has landed a £1.8 million contract with the Latvian Army.

Following a year of negotiations and testing of its clothing, Snugpak has won a six-year contract to supply the army's 6,000 troops with insulated jackets and trousers.

In addition, the company will also kit out the army's 1,500 reserve troops.

Darren Burrell, the company's export sales manager, said: "The Latvian Army is currently restructuring and is now in the process of upgrading and replacing all its equipment.

"The first items to be replaced are uniforms and protective clothing.

"It has around 6,000 full time soldiers and the brief was to find the best possible product in each area."

He said it was great news for Snugpak, which a year ago was the subject of a management buyout.

"It's great for us and has given us the confidence to carry on manufacturing. We weathered the storm of about four years ago when everyone was being bought out," Mr Burrell said.

The company, which makes sleeping bags and clothing for the general market as well as clothing, rucksacks and sleeping bags for the military market, was approached by the Latvian Army at an international show in Germany.

Mr Burrell said the army wanted warm jackets and salopettes (padded trousers) for winter training at home and in Scandinavia.

The Howden Road-based company, which employs around 50 people, has also supplied British soldiers both on a contract with the army and as individuals wishing to upgrade their equipment.

It is also currently kiting out the Australian army's 2,500 soldiers being sent annually to Iraq.

The company has just completed its first year of trading following its management buyout.

It is now run by former managing director Mick Dobson and former company secretary Susan Parish.