Telecoms tech business Filtronic has announced plans to launch a new base in the South East.
The Sedgefield-based company designs and manufactures products and sub-systems for the aerospace, defence, telecoms infrastructure and space markets from its NETPark and Leeds bases, and its has accrued a number of significant contract wins in recent months, including with Elon Musk’s SpaceX firm.
Now the firm has announced it is adding a new engineering design centre at the Cambridge Science Park, which is Europe's largest centre for commercial research and development. The firm said the new location positions it in one of the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ’s most dynamic technology clusters, reinforcing Filtronic’s commitment to advancing its expertise in space and defence communications.
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Cambridge Science Park will give Filtronic access to a network of key industry players, research institutions, and skilled radio frequency engineering talent, allowing it to action its growth plans, it said. The park will also enable Filtronic to boost its technical capabilities, foster collaboration, and ramp up product innovation in high-frequency communications.
CEO Nat Edington said it will also enhance Filtronic’s ability to support new and existing clients in the region, while giving it a base for collaborative projects aimed at pushing the boundaries of RF and mmWave technology.
Mr Edington said: “Opening an office at Cambridge Science Park is a pivotal step in our growth strategy. Cambridge’s thriving ecosystem of technology and innovation is an ideal environment for Filtronic as we continue to develop resilient, high-performance solutions for demanding environments. This expansion underscores our commitment to investing in the future of º£½ÇÊÓÆµ engineering and supporting the country’s ambitions in space and defence.”
Last week Filtronic told investors it hopes to share news of more contracts in the space, aerospace and defence markets having secured some smaller development contract wins in recent months.
Filtronic said its manufacturing output has ramped up and quality requirements are being met following a flurry of orders under its agreement with rocket and satellite giant SpaceX.
The $60m (£48m) five-year deal with Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar company could see the entrepreneur take a stake in the County Durham firm and could also see the two businesses working together to create new products.