Filtronic plc, the designer and manufacturer of RF, microwave, and mmWave products for the wireless telecoms, mission-critical communications and defence applications markets, today welcomed Paul Howell, the local MP for Sedgefield, to its microwave and mmWave development, manufacturing and test facility in Sedgefield.
As a member of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee, Mr Howell takes a keen interest in manufacturing and in organisations that lead the world in their field. Paul is especially enthusiastic to meet some of the amazing science and innovation led organisations that call Sedgefield home.
Paul said: “It’s great to visit the team here and to find out more about Filtronic’s development and manufacturing of high-performance RF, microwave and mmWave technologies. Particularly as the applications fall within growth-targeted markets for UK government, including telecommunications infrastructure, aerospace & defence and space.”
Given a tour of the cutting-edge facility by Richard Gibbs, Filtronic’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Howell enjoyed meeting many of the operation staff and was enthused to see first-hand the level of investment Filtronic have made within Sedgefield, and the support that they have received from the North East Technology Park (NETPark) and Business Durham.
Paul said: “It is vital that STEM subjects and career development are part of high-tech research and manufacturing strategy. I am very impressed that Filtronic actively encourages an emphasis on recruiting a high ratio of females amongst their talented new recruits.
“Filtronic’s track record is second to none within UK RF technology. It makes me immensely proud that the North East can boast world-class manufacturers on its doorstep. To win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise this year is a fantastic achievement, and testament to the quality of organisation and the technologies they develop. The pace at which they innovate and the markets they operate in, makes organisations like Filtronic a key part of the government’s future industrial strategy.”
Richard Gibbs said: “It was great to show Paul around the Filtronic site. We are proud of our Northern roots, and of our research and manufacturing facility here on NETPark. We had some really positive discussions about the government’s industrial strategy, and how companies such as Filtronic can play a major role in supporting the UK aerospace, defence and telecom industry.”