As part of continued expansion in the global precision motion and automation systems arena, Aerotech Inc. - the Pittsburgh-USA headquartered high-technology mechatronic motion products designer and manufacturer - has relocated its U.K. subsidiary to a new and larger facility in Ramsdell near Tadley. With additional office and operational logistics space as well as considerably more room for customer demonstration, training and conferencing, the well-equipped 500 m2 building will allow Aerotech Ltd to build upon and enhance its position as a premier motion system supplier to the UK and Europe. The move to the new building complements Aerotech’s recent manufacturing and engineering facility expansion in Pittsburgh and significantly reflects its determination to provide world-class sales and service with similarly equipped subsidiaries in Germany, Japan, Taiwan and China.

The new facility at Ramsdell represents a real progression of Aerotech’s proven track record in the U.K. and Europe that began almost 33 years ago when the subsidiary was first established. Aerotech works with industrial manufacturers and research institutions, designing and building precision mechanics, motion controls and drive electronics as integrated electromechanical subsystems that enable the customer to concentrate, specialise and develop its own core manufacturing technologies and research goals. From the U.K., Aerotech makes an active contribution to Europe and has partnerships with many universities and manufacturers for the production, test and/or research of high-technology equipment in semiconductor, electronics, medical, military and laser processing, amongst others. Solutions range from single-axis positioners chosen from a wide standard range to innovative custom manufactured multi-axis systems. Worldwide Aerotech has over 350 staff, with substantial engineering resources and talent, and continues to grow by assisting customers to improve their products, productivity and quality through the design, manufacture and deployment of submicron-precision mechatronic technologies.

The official opening on January 28th was attended by key customers, affiliates and suppliers for a champagne reception with presentations from Aerotech’s CEO, Mark Botos, European Director, Simon Smith and U.K. Managing Director, Dr Cliff Jolliffe. Special guests also made presentations including Neil Main, president of AILU (Association of Industrial Laser Users) and Paul Morantz, senior research fellow at Cranfield University. Aerotech is a long-time and very active corporate member of AILU and has enjoyed a lengthy association with the Cranfield University Precision Engineering department and is currently working with them on an EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision project to develop an exciting Meso Scale platform - a compact sized micro-factory capable of subtractive and additive technologies including diamond micromachining, energy beam and print processes.

Signaling the beginning of an exciting new phase for the U.K. subsidiary, Botos comments, “Aerotech Ltd has helped to establish our Company as a world-class technical leader in submicron precision motion and automation. The new facility, with its modern training and demonstration capability, will help to further our ability to advance the markets we serve by supporting OEMs and end users in industrial, governmental and educational markets worldwide.”