6
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Zeeko Ltd
Established in 2000, polishing machine manufacturer Zeeko is one of only five entrants this year to win two King’s Awards for Enterprise. The company is a world leader in the development and production of 7-axis CNC industrial robot polishing (IRP) machines for the form correction and finishing of complex, ultra- high-precision, freeform optics. Glass polishing for astronomy and space exploration was the main target for Zeeko in the early days. This was followed by higher volume applications in the production of optics for defence, semiconductor and X-ray applications. Later still came consumer products such as camera lenses. Optical artefacts from 1.5 millimetres to three metres in diameter can be processed on Zeeko machines, whose intellectual property is protected by more than 50 worldwide patents. Each year the company spends a minimum of 20% of annual sales revenue on R&D. The 2024 award for international trade is a result of a sharp upturn in these original specialist activities, plus additional sales in the last three years of new machine platforms and tools for mainstream industrial use. The latter is referenced later in this magazine in connection with Zeeko’s other King’s Award, for innovation. Exports account for about 98% of machine
A Zeeko IRP polishing a mirror for the E-ELT telescope.
A tungsten carbide surface before (left) and after IRP polishing.
production, with key overseas markets being Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea, followed by the USA, Canada, Mexico and continental Europe. Order intake is currently between £10 million and £12 million per year, compared with well below £2 million during the pandemic. Zeeko is not only generating its best sales ever, but current growth figures are higher than anticipated. Richard Freeman, MD of Zeeko, says: “We are delighted to receive two King’s Awards this year. Our highly skilled and innovative team deserves this recognition. A high-technology year one to 51% in year six. To meet the growing demand for Jupiter products and services in South America, the opening of new business, Zetechtics do Brasil Ltda was announced in 2022. Commenting on receiving the King’s Award, Tim says: “I am extremely proud of our team’s hard work and dedication throughout this period of growth, leading to this recognition. Being based rurally does not prevent a business from acting globally, and we are truly grateful to all our customers around the UK and worldwide.” Double celebration In addition to Zetechtics Ltd being honoured with a King’s Award in recognition of their contribution to International Trade, their sister company, C-Kore Systems Ltd, has also received royal recognition in the same category. Tim, Chairman of both companies, is elated that both businesses have been honoured this year. ZETECHTICS LTD Main Street, Amotherby, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6TA Tel: +44(0)1653 602020 • sales@zetechtics.com www.zetechtics.com @jupitercontrol zetechtics-limited @jupitersubseacontrolsystem
manufacturing enterprise rarely leads its competition by more than 18 months, so we are continually researching and innovating, both to protect our lead and to grow our business.” ZEEKO LTD 4 Vulcan Court, Vulcan Way, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3FW Tel: +44(0)1530 815832 • Fax: +44(0)1530 839631 sales@zeeko.co.uk • www.zeeko.co.uk Zeeko-Ltd @ltdzeeko @zeek018 zeeko-ltd
Zetechtics Ltd
North Yorkshire-based Zetechtics Ltd specialises in the design and manufacture of subsea control equipment for the global offshore energy industry. The company is proud to be a leading manufacturer in this industry and is honoured to receive its second royal recognition, this time for outstanding export growth over six years. Zetechtics was established in 1993 by Tim Overfield in Kirkbymoorside, on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors. Tim’s idea was to radically change the way subsea control systems were being implemented. With his extensive industry experience and technical knowledge in ROV design, Tim’s theory of making the electronics pressure tolerant for use in an oil-filled valve pack reduced the complexity of wiring systems and ultimately removed the need for expensive pressure vessels to house the electronics. This led to the design of the first Zetechtics’ Jupiter Subsea Control System. The Jupiter Control Systems, now a product range, combine highly versatile electronics hardware and hydraulic valves in a compact oil compensated enclosure. The Jupiter design received royal recognition in 2003, with Zetechtics winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. The total growth of international trade at Zetechtics Ltd over the six-year period was over 2,000%, with overseas sales increasing from 5% in
The Jupiter 2 Subsea Control System in the field.
The Zetechtics team.
King’s Awards Magazine 2024
77
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online