Posted to News on 18th Mar 2014, 15:59
Sensor Technology relocates R&D closer to manufacturing
The Research and Development department of Sensor Technology Ltd is to relocate from its base of nearly 40 years, a converted water mill, to the purpose-built Apollo Park, which is already home to its manufacturing and sales departments. Sensor Technology produces torque sensors for measuring the power being transmitted by rotating shafts and specialist load sensors, typically for use with underslung cargo carried by helicopters. The remarkable thing about both of these is that they transmit their readings wirelessly.
Sales Manager Mark Ingham explains: "We actually produce a wide variety of torque sensors, but are best known for TorqSense, our wireless range. We developed this to do away with the fiddly and delicate slip rings that most sensors require to work with rotating shafts.
"More recently we have been using the same wireless communications with helicopter load sensors. The key advantage here is that because there is no need to drill holes in the airframe to run wires, there is no requirement to get the airworthiness recertified. The cost savings are monumental, and we are also finding that the technology transfers to many other fields too."
Sensor Technology originally moved into the water mill, just outside Banbury because it was large enough to allow expansion. Soon the building was fully occupied and temporary buildings were set up in the grounds as growth continued. Then about 10 years ago the sales and accounts departments moved out to the other side of Banbury, but after 5 more years of expansion it was necessary for the sales department to relocate again. At this time Apollo Park was being planned, and as it was only three miles (5km) from the water mill, it was a natural choice.
Mark says: "Growth has continued, and the company is evolving in such a way that we now think it makes sense to have sales, manufacture and R&D all under one roof. "We have been at the cutting edge of technology for 40 years, a position we want to maintain into the future. The best way to ensure this is to let the managers and engineers interact naturally during their working day - sometimes a water cooler meeting or a passing word in the corridor is the most effective form of communication
"NASA's Apollo program fundamentally changed science and technology a generation ago. By contrast our Apollo journey is a very small step for mankind, but we feel like we are reaching for the stars."
For further details about torque sensors from Sensor Technology, please go to www.sensors.co.uk.
Apollo Park, Ironstone Lane
Wroxton
OX15 6AY
UNITED KINGDOM
+44 (0)1869 238400
