Member Article

Durham electronics manufacturer to create 20 new jobs

Electronics manufacturer PragmatIC, which creates integrated circuits which are thinner than a human hair, has announced plans to grow its team with 20 new hires.

Expanding to larger premises at NETPark (North East Technology Park), County Durham, the business will take up space in the site’s newly-built Explorer units to facilitate the upcoming growth in manpower.

PragmatIC’s products can be embedded in a wide set of applications, ranging from intelligent packaging to wireless document traceability for security and identification.

Moving into the new space, the business will have 5,000 sq feet of ground floor lab and first floor office space at its disposal.

Ken Williamson, the firm’s chief operating officer, commented: “We’re growing rapidly and we needed our own space as the business progresses.

“The new Explorer building really is an ideal place for us. We initially came because of printable electronics centre but the access to a highly skilled semi conductor workforce in the North East has been a key factor in us staying and growing here as well as the value for money office space and the access to funding.

“Our focus now will be on producing three or four specific products working in conjunction with a couple of label manufacturers which will be ready for launch some time next year after our new production line is installed next Spring.”

The firm, which spun out of Manchester University in 2010 and has its HQ in Cambridge, is looking to break even by early 2019.

Brian Archer, managing director of Business Durham, which works on behalf of Durham County Council, said: “There are no limits to the use of PragmatIC’s innovative technology and their new space in the Explorer building will allow them to take their business to the next level with the support of its highly skilled team in the North East.”

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming such an innovative and exciting company to County Durham, and in particular to the fantastic new facilities at NETPark.

“We are striving to make Durham a vibrant place to live, work, invest, study and visit, and this is just another small step towards that goal.

“We hope the arrival of Pragmatic will show what a uniquely innovative and supportive atmosphere we’re cultivating for investors.”

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