The North East Technology Park (NETPark), Sedgefield, in County Durham, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Since its inception in 2004, NETPark has been a beacon for technology and bioscience companies, providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support innovation. The park is now home to over 40 companies at the forefront of research and development in various fields, including biosciences, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering.
As NETPark marks its anniversary, the celebration is highlighted by a major announcement—the signing of its first tenant in the highly anticipated £100 million expansion. This milestone not only commemorates two decades of success and innovation at NETPark but also signals a new chapter for the science park. The expansion is set to significantly enhance NETPark’s capacity to support cutting-edge businesses, reinforcing its role as a key driver of growth and innovation in the region.
The newly signed tenant, Filtronic, a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced RF and microwave communication solutions, will occupy a 35,738sq ft unit in the Phase 3 expansion.
Michael Tyerman, chief financial officer at Filtronic, said: “We opted to stay at NETPark due to its modern infrastructure, the presence of innovative and like-minded companies, and the flexibility it provides for scaling our operations.
“The new facility expands our manufacturing and office space as well as upgrading test facilities. It will support the continued development of our leading-edge products, enabling us to scale capacity to meet customer demand.
“This commitment to innovation was recognised earlier this year when we were honoured with the King’s Award for Innovation, making us one of the few businesses in the UK to hold both the King’s and the Queen’s Award simultaneously.
“It was also a core reason why SpaceX entered into a strategic partnership with us in April of this year, which includes the ongoing supply of E-band solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), alongside collaborative efforts in developing and delivering comparable products across multiple frequency bands core to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.”
NETPark’s 20-year journey is a testament to its adaptability and foresight in meeting the evolving needs of the technology and bioscience sectors. The expansion represents a significant step forward, not just for NETPark but for the entire region. By helping tenants like Filtronic grow and expand, as well as fostering collaboration among other companies based there, NETPark’s ecosystem promotes innovation and drives economic growth.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, added: “Filtronic is one of a number of world-class companies we have at NETPark, and its success story really encapsulates what NETPark is all about.
“It came to NETPark as part of a company expansion in 2014, starting in a small incubator space and going from strength to strength ever since. Here we are 10 years on, with the company having had a spectacular five months during which it has secured £30million of orders from Elon Musk’s SpaceX for RF subsystems for its Starlink platform as part of an ongoing strategic partnership.
“To think there will be critical products travelling through space that were made in County Durham is pretty mind-blowing, really, and it’s something we should be incredibly proud of.”
The announcement of Filtronic coincides with NETPark’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and driving research and development initiatives. The park offers a unique environment where businesses can thrive, collaborate, and access the resources needed to bring their innovations to market. With the backing of local universities and research institutions, NETPark is well-positioned to be a leader in the technology sector for years to come.
NETPark’s 20th anniversary is not only a celebration of its past achievements but also a launchpad for its future endeavours. The announcement of Filtronic as the first tenant in the expansion is a major milestone that underscores the park’s role as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation in the technology sector. With its strong foundation and forward-thinking approach, NETPark is poised to make an even more significant impact in the years to come, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the Northeast’s technology and bioscience landscape.
Find out more at www.northeasttechnologypark.com.
