Member Article

University of York startup expands to increase manufacturing capabilities

A University of York startup business is relocating to step up the manufacture of new technology.

Advanced electronic microscopy manufacturer, York Probe Sources Limited, has acquired Unit 1C, Northminster Business Park, to expand its manufacture and range of products which are fitted and used in sophisticated electron microscopes to observe samples in minute detail.

The company, founded in 1997 by managing director, University of York professor of electronics, Mohammed El-Gomati, is moving to unit 1C, which had a £425k asking price, to invest in greater manufacturing capability for its range of emitters and related products which are sold worldwide.

The 5,550 sq ft Unit 1C, which is divided between offices, laboratory and workshop space, has been substantially refurbished by YPS Ltd.

YPS Ltd currently employs five full-time members of staff and has plans to take on more staff as the business grows.

Omar El Gomati says: “We’re relocating primarily to progress manufacture. More emitters which can be installed to a wide range of well-known makes of TFE, or schottky, electron microscopes.

“These emitters are consumables that can be installed on site and will allow users to achieve high nano-analytical performance without the considerable expense of a new instrument.

“Electron microscopes are used worldwide across a broad spectrum of applications such as medical research, product development and scientific investigation and we are already experiencing significant interest for what is a whole new market for our business.

“There is a significant shortage of good quality laboratory space in York. We’re moving to Northminster Business Park and investing in more manufacturing technology and taking on about five more staff, including two, or three, engineers.

“I spent a lot of time investigating the various sites and business parks in the area and chose Northminster Business Park because I found it be the most attractive and best managed with superior accommodation. We’re pleased to have acquired Unit 1C.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .