Linwave Technology has found a novel new application for its microwave and RF technologies in the global sports industry.
Lincolnshire-based Linwave, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, has landed a deal to supply a US sports firm with bespoke technology for measuring ball speed.
The $400,000 contract will see the firm supply special gunn diodes for accurate speed measurement and a more flexible technology than is currently available.
Ian Duke, managing director of Linwave said that the team is excited to have struck this innovative deal at such a significant milestone in the firm’s development.
“We’ve enjoyed steady growth over the ten years and are now establishing a global reputation for providing high technology solutions to customers involved in satellite communications, military, telecoms and industrial markets,” he enthused.
“About 10 to 15% of our sales are exported and we’ve been able to increase our workforce to 25 highly skilled staff…this has given us the platform to really push on and attack new opportunities.”
Linwave is expected to achieve a total of £2m sales this year having recorded just £100,000 in its first year.
Linwave’s management team recognized the importance of recent improvements in operations and supply chain strategy when striking this latest deal in the US.
The company, which makes up-converters, amplifiers, radar sensors and detectors – for the defence sector among others – is in the process of accrediting itself on the SC21 supply chain excellence programme.
This accreditation journey is being followed with assistance from the Manufacturing Advisory Service which has also provided financial support to the growing SME.
“The financial support from MAS is obviously important for a small firm like ourselves, as this allowed us to undertake the activity quicker than we originally envisaged,” said Mr Duke.
“However, equally important has been the guidance and support of our Advisor and the way he has brought us together with like-minded companies who are experiencing similar problems.