To qualify for the International Trade 2001 award, companies must meet rigorous assessment criteria to prove that they have obtained ‘Outstanding achievement in international trade, resulting in substantial growth in overseas earnings and in commercial success, sustained over not less than three years, to levels which are outstanding for the goods or services concerned and for the size of the applicant’s operations.’ In Labtech’s case, exports have more than doubled over the last three years while in Paradise Datacom’s case, exports have almost doubled over the last three years and account for almost half of all sales. This is the second time that Paradise Datacom have received the award, the first time was in 1996.
Labtech’s strong export growth has been generated through sales of microwave electronic circuit boards for major telecommunications, military and space customers world-wide. These circuits are deployed in wireless telecommunication networks, broadband data access/Internet systems, microwave automotive control systems and radar and satellite applications. Labtech’s technology is based on processing high performance PTFE microwave substrates with plated through holes. Circuits can be bonded together in a multi-layer construction and include machined metal backing for high frequency applications such as broadband digital links and 3G Base station Power Amplifiers. Labtech is one of a very small number of companies world-wide which are familiar with the specialist knowledge required to manufacture this type of circuit.
Paradise Datacom’s export success has been generated through sales of satellite communication modems, which are a key part of the equipment used to transmit digital information to geographically distant points via satellite. As much of the modem functionality is contained in an ASIC chip designed by Paradise Datacom themselves, Paradise Datacom offer a very cost-effective solution for price sensitive market sectors. Paradise Datacom has been particularly successful in penetrating the North American market, despite strong competition from indigenous satellite modem manufacturers, through the establishment of a daughter company in the USA to manufacture and sell modems designed in Tiptree.
Ian Brodie, Intelek’s Chief Executive Officer, comments, I am delighted that both Labtech and Paradise Datacom have won this prestigious award which recognises the major increase in exports both companies have achieved. Building up this level of exports is not easy. It requires technical capabilities demonstrably better than those offered by the indigenous competition and total devotion to customer support. This is a real team effort achieved through sustained dedication and commitment of our staff and partners.
