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21 December 2016

The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire presents a second Queen's Award to OpTek Systems

The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson OBE, made the formal presentation of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade to OpTek Systems, during a visit to the company’s UK Headquarters in Abingdon. The event was attended by the staff and associates of OpTek’s UK operation, along with invited guests Myrddin Jones from Innovate UK and three family members of Peter May, who sadly passed away shortly after OpTek was presented with its first Queen’s Award in 2011. A memorial plaque to Peter was unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant, honouring his contribution to OpTek’s success.

OpTek Systems domination of the market for laser termination of optical fibers for telecom and datacom applications has helped to fuel the recent doubling of the business along with its strong export performance. A recent development, partially supported by Innovate UK, has resulted in a >£1m deal to commercialise a new, compact version of OpTek’s patented LaserCleave™ technology. This tool is an important addition to the company’s portfolio, as it targets the production of large volume standardised optical connectors.

OpTek Systems (UK) is a world leader in the development of precision laser micromachining technology, supplying manufacturing equipment and subcontract laser processing services around the world. Not only does this successful SME export around 80% of UK production, but it is also the foundation from which thriving subsidiaries have been established overseas, in the manufacturing centres of North America and China. Based on current growth rates, these subsidiaries will soon eclipse OpTek UK in terms of turnover.

In his speech the Lord-Lieutenant paid tribute to the achievements of the OpTek team, indeed he highlighted the fact that OpTek is only the third in the Oxfordshire area to win more than one award in his 8 years. Mr Stephenson went on to recognise the incredible range and diversity of the company’s activities and the positive impact this makes to the local economy, employment in the area and to the UK balance sheet.

“Being recognised with a second Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a great honour”, said Mike Osborne, Founder and CEO at OpTek Systems. “International trade is central to our business and this award recognises the investments we’ve made in developing our network and the hard work and dedication of all our staff and partners.”

Image: with the Lord Lieutenant are Mike Osborne (left) and Gideon Foster-Turner (right)


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