Bay Photonics has relocated its entire operation into the new Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Paignton.
The company is one of the most reputable UK companies in the Photonics assembly and packaging sector, with a combined 280 years of experience in the industry.
Since its launch in 2007, Bay Photonics (formerly Alpha Contract Engineering) has continued to expand in size and in particular in technical capability.
After five very successful years based in the University of Plymouth Brixham Laboratory, the move into the £8M EPIC facility will increase the already substantial capability with access to an in-house classified cleanroom in addition to over £1.5M of prototyping equipment.
Glenn George, Managing Director at Bay Photonics, said: “The move to EPIC will naturally increase our technical capability, providing us with the opportunity to attract new clients and enter new markets. It also supports our plans, using a substantial Quantum Technology grant recently awarded to us by Innovate UK.
“We are sad to leave our facility in Brixham but EPIC was very supportive in helping us make the move. The centre has since installed all the services that we require to operate our business and has helped make us feel welcome in our new home. Bay Photonics is at a critical stage of its history and has plans to expand further in the coming years. One factor that influenced our decision to move was the opportunity to grow within the centre.”
Bay Photonics is a marquee addition to EPIC, and it is hoped that the move will enable current and future tenants to collaborate and work on projects together. The potential to work on joint funding bids and to share resource, equipment and capacity will certainly benefit the wider cluster.
Wayne Loschi, EPIC Centre Director, said: “I am very excited about this move. Bay Photonics bring a wealth of experience into the centre which will take the EPIC project to the next level. It will be fascinating to learn about some of the cutting-edge technologies that will be designed, prototyped and manufactured from within the building.”
Bay Photonics offer a range of semiconductor, micro-electronic, optic and photonic assembly processes to various different substrates /packages / modules including application specific packaging. These services will certainly complement some of the prototyping capabilities already present within EPIC. Bay Photonics’ markets range from Marine, Medical, Space, Quantum and Data Communications.
The company now occupy three units within the centre, including modern offices and a dry lab. It is expected that Bay Photonics will deliver some technology sessions as part of EPIC’s programme of support for the wider Hi Tech Cluster.
Councillor Swithin Long, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, said: “EPIC provides excellent facilities for hi tech businesses in Torbay and beyond. By having this facility, we can retain ambitious businesses in a key industry in Torbay, while supporting their growth. The centre provides the ideal environment to support growth through collaboration. EPIC continues to attract early stage tech businesses as well as growing innovative tech companies, supporting Torbay’s Economic Strategy.”
EPIC is partly funded by a £3m grant from the Heart of the South West LEP Growth Deal funding.
EPIC is a centre of excellence, supporting technological innovation and promoting collaborative activity between businesses and research institutions. It focuses on supporting high potential companies and encourages investment into Torbay’s microelectronics and photonics sector, and in the wider Heart of the South West.
For more information on EPIC visit www.epic-centre.co.uk
