Global satellite leader doubles production base

Filtronic has launched a new, multimillion-pound factory in County Durham.

- TOM KEIGHLEY

SATELLITE communications specialist Filtronic has launched a new, multimillion-pound factory in County Durham.

The world-leading firm, which has a key supplier to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite programme, has opened the 44,000sqft headquarters and manufacturing facility close to its original home at NETPark.

The purpose-built site significantly expands production capacity, doubling manufacturing footprint and raising cleanroom facilities sixfold.

Filtronic says the move means it now has the capacity to support £200m annual revenue, from its current position of about £55m. The firm says the new home will help it cement its position as the country's top producer of "mission-critical" high frequency technologies used in satellite communications, space systems and defence programmes.