With an additional £340,000 in financial support from the United Kingdom’s Space Agency, Smiths Interconnect, a Molex company, can accelerate the expansion of the manufacturing capabilities at its Dundee, Scotland facility. The funding was obtained through the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).

Known for its fiber-optic and RF/microwave components (see image above), the facility is increasing its levels of manufacturing automation and will help speed the transition of computer-aided-design (CAD) files to prototypes for customers. The funding will also help speed prototypes to high-volume production in key spectrum areas, such as C- and X-band frequencies. 

The backing from SCIF will help push production capabilities to higher frequencies, such as Q-, V-, and E-bands, and exploration into more complex, higher-performance electronic materials. It will also assist customers in reducing development risks and trim lead times.

Tullio Panarello, general manager and vice president for Fiber Optics and RF Components, said, “The further SCIF grant strengthens Smiths Interconnect’s position at the forefront of UK space technology, enhancing capability, driving innovation, and enabling the next generation of high-performance space hardware.”

Liz Lloyd, the UK Space Minister, added, “Smiths Interconnect represents the very best of British innovation, and that is why we’re continuing to support them with this UK government investment. Their facility in Dundee is already producing world-class components for some of the world’s most ambitious space missions. This funding will help them go even further, creating skilled jobs and cementing our reputation as a global leader in space technology. Dundee is a fantastic example of that ambition becoming a reality.”