PowerPhotonic, a manufacturer of micro-optics for the laser industry, has announced plans to invest in a new facility that will treble its current manufacturing capacity.
In a move, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018, the company will transfer its operations into a larger, 15,820 square foot facility at the St David’s Business Park, Dalgety Bay, UK to capitalise on global growth opportunities. The investment will include the creation of a new class 1000 clean room facility, which expands production capacity for PowerPhotonic’s unique micro-optic technology.
PowerPhotonic recently secured around £1m of financing through the combination of a Clydesdale Bank finance package and a Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise. The finance package received by PowerPhotonic will propel the company into a new phase of growth as they establish a new operating facility, growing their capacity and ability to meet market demands. The growth will include bringing 16 new permanent highly-skilled jobs to the local area over the next three years.
The company, established in 2004, is recognised as a world-leader in the field of micro-optics and has developed a commercial technology out of research undertaken at the world-renowned Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
The company designs, manufactures and sells precision micro-optics worldwide to the laser industry. The main applications are in the industrial materials processing, medical, telecoms, scientific and defence markets. Its products are currently exported worldwide, including across the EU, North America and Asia.
Dr Roy McBride, Managing Director at PowerPhotonic, said: “These plans represent a major expansion to our business and will significantly grow our production capacity. Demand for PowePhotonic’s unique micro-optic technology has been growing fast across a wide spectrum of worldwide laser applications. Our expansion plan will enable us to capitalise on this and future demand.”