philtronics-limited

Philtronics Achieves ISO 13485:2016 Certification

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:46:39 GMT

We are proud to announce that we have successfully achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification for our Quality Management System. This internationally recognised standard demonstrates our ability to consistently provide medical device-related services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

The scope of our certification covers:

The manufacture of printed circuit boards, harnesses, and complete electronic assemblies to customer or Philtronics design, drawings, and/or specifications.
The development and application of full turnkey testing solutions.

Issued on 16 ^th April 2026 by URS, this certification marks a significant milestone in our journey toward excellence in regulated manufacturing environments.

A Team Effort and a Major Milestone

Achieving ISO 13485 required dedicated effort from across the organisation. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire team for their hard work and commitment over the past six months as we implemented the new standard. Their focus on robust processes, traceability, and quality controls has been instrumental in this success.

ISO 13485 is far more than a certificate on the wall — it reflects the systems, controls, and disciplined processes needed to operate reliably within the highly regulated medical device sector. For our customers, it provides greater confidence in quality, full traceability, and a manufacturing partner capable of supporting both development and full-scale production.

Building Momentum: A Year of Growth, Investment, and New Accreditations

This certification is yet another string to our bow. Over the past 12 months, we have pursued ambitious goals, achieved new accreditations, and made significant investments in our people and infrastructure. These efforts have collectively bolstered our technical capabilities and enhanced the service we offer to customers in medical, industrial, and high-reliability sectors.

Here’s what we’ve accomplished:

ISO 13485:2016 — As detailed above, this provides a comprehensive quality management framework specifically tailored to medical device manufacturing, ensuring consistent product realisation, risk management, and regulatory compliance throughout the production lifecycle.
UL 508A — This is the globally recognised safety standard for the construction of industrial control panels. It covers proper component selection, wiring methods, spacing, enclosure design, and short-circuit current ratings. UL 508A certification ensures our control panels meet stringent safety requirements, reducing risks of electrical shock, fire, or equipment failure in industrial applications.
Cyber Essentials Plus — The UK Government-backed advanced cybersecurity certification, which includes independent technical verification of our controls. It protects against common cyber threats and demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding sensitive customer data, designs, and intellectual property — particularly important when handling medical device or industrial project files.
Staff Development Initiatives — We have invested in our people through targeted training programmes, including Six Sigma (which drives data-driven process improvement, defect reduction, and operational efficiency) and SolidWorks CAD design training. These skills enhance our in-house design capabilities, improve collaboration on complex assemblies, reduce development time, and allow us to deliver higher-quality, more innovative solutions for our customers.

Together, these achievements have strengthened our end-to-end offering, from design support and precision manufacturing through to testing, certification, and secure delivery.

Why This Matters for Our Customers

As more organisations look to scale production or outsource specialist electronics manufacturing, having the right combination of quality, safety, security, and technical expertise is essential.

We are now even better positioned to support customers who require:

Regulated medical device component and assembly production
High-reliability electronics with full traceability
Safe, compliant industrial control panels
Secure handling of sensitive design data
Efficient, continuously improving processes

Our recent progress reflects a clear strategic focus: delivering controlled, validated, and production-ready electronic solutions while maintaining the agility and personal service that our customers value.

Looking Ahead

This is an exciting time for Philtronics. The ISO 13485 certification, alongside our other recent accreditations and investments in talent, reinforces our position as a trusted manufacturing partner for demanding sectors.

We remain committed to continuous improvement and to supporting our customers as they bring innovative products to market.

If you would like to discuss how we can support your next project, please get in touch with our team.

Celebrating our double achievement at the National Make UK Awards

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:44:42 GMT

Philtronics is proud to share the news of our outstanding performance at the Make UK National Manufacturing Awards 2025, where we secured two National Runner-up positions at the prestigious Gala Dinner held at Madame Tussauds in London on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Following our double success at the Wales Regional Awards in November 2025, where we were named winners in Developing Future Talent and SME of the Region, we were honoured to represent Wales on the national stage. Competing against the UK's leading manufacturers, this recognition highlights the strength of our team and our commitment to excellence in contract electronics manufacturing.

National Achievements

Runner-up: Developing Future Talent
Runner-up: SME of the Year

These awards underscore Philtronics' dedication to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and delivering outstanding results in a highly competitive sector. The judging panel provided insightful feedback that reflects our core values and achievements:

For Developing Future Talent: "This company has transformed electronics manufacturing education by creating an engaging, hands-on experience for its staff and college learners."
For SME of the Year: "An innovative manufacturer with a big heart—supporting community and environment... impressive record for customer satisfaction through service, process excellence and product development... inspiring, engaging and community-minded."

These commendations celebrate our multi-faceted approach to talent development through the Philtronics Academy, partnerships with local colleges and the University of South Wales, and initiatives that bridge academic theory with real-world industry application. Our focus on hands-on training, apprenticeships, and continuous professional growth has empowered our team to thrive and contribute to the future of UK manufacturing.

The Gala Dinner itself was an inspiring celebration of the sector's best, hosted by Make UK and featuring standout performances from apprentices representing major organisations including Bentley Motors, Siemens Healthineers, Airbus, BAE Systems, Nissan, and Safran. Witnessing the confidence and pride of these young talents reinforced our resolve to invest further in our own apprentices, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, self-belief, and opportunities to excel on regional and national platforms in the years ahead.

We extend our congratulations to the winners in our categories and to our fellow Welsh company, Airbond Splicers, who claimed victory in the Energy and Sustainability category, demonstrating the vitality and innovation of Welsh manufacturing on the national stage.

Special thanks go to:

Our CFO, Anne Pritchard & CTO, Simon Street, for their meticulous preparation and delivery during the Developing Future Talent interview, incorporating videos, testimonials, and interactive elements that showcased our educational initiatives.
Simon Pritchard, who represented our SME story with passion and clarity, highlighting our journey, niche expertise, customer focus, sustainable growth, and deep community ties.
The distinguished judging panel for their time and expertise: Pavel Albores-Barajas (Professor of Operations & Supply Chain at Aston University), Liz McArdle (Innovation Manager, University of Warwick), Dr. David Clegg (Sheffield Hallam University), and Nigel Platt (Robotics Industry Specialist).
Make UK for organising an exceptional event, and host Nikki Dean for her engaging presentation.

These two national runner-up awards now take pride of place in our Philtronics Academy, serving as enduring symbols of our progress and as powerful motivators to continue pushing boundaries. While we celebrate this significant milestone, achieved against strong national competition, we remain driven by a culture of continuous improvement and ambition to achieve even greater heights.

At Philtronics, we are committed to:

Investing in our people through training and development
Driving innovation in electronics manufacturing
Championing sustainability and community engagement
Strengthening manufacturing in Wales and across the United Kingdom

We thank our entire team, partners, customers, and supporters for making this achievement possible. Here's to building on this momentum and pursuing further excellence in the years ahead.

Philtronics Celebrates Double Victory at Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025 for the Wales Region

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:12:01 GMT

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Philtronics has won not one, but TWO prestigious regional awards at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025 for Wales! Make UK , who are are a powerful voice for manufacturers, champion UK manufacturing - and it’s drive for innovation, growth, and resilience through their expert support and bold advocacy.

On Thursday 6th November 2025, at the awards dinner held at the Vale Resort, Philtronics was crowned:

Developing Future Talent – Wales Winner 2025
SME of the Region – Wales Winner 2025

This incredible double win recognises the dedication, innovation and community spirit that every single member of the Philtronics team demonstrates every day.

Developing Future Talent

In a region that has faced significant economic challenges, we set out to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled people while inspiring the next generation to choose careers in manufacturing and engineering.

Through the Philtronics Academy, our apprenticeship partnerships with Merthyr College , Coleg y Cymoedd and the University of South Wales ( Network75 ), digital upskilling of 100% of our workforce, and extensive school outreach, we have:

Nurtured 7 apprentices since 2021 (with several winning “Apprentice of the Year”)
Fully trained all 85 staff on digital manufacturing tools
Engaged over 120 local students through careers events and work experience
Supported mental health and wellbeing programmes that have reached almost 2,800 disadvantaged young people

These efforts not only future-proof our business but actively contribute to the economic regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys area we are proud to call home.

SME of the Region

From a 500 sq ft start-up in 2003 to a 25,000 sq ft advanced contract electronics manufacturer today, our journey is one of ambition, resilience and a refusal to accept that high-tech manufacturing can’t thrive in the South Wales Valleys.

The judges recognised:

Our strategic £120k investment in digitalisation and workforce capability
Achieving a genuine 50/50 gender balance in a traditionally male-dominated sector
Receiving the global KLA Distinguished Supplier Special Contribution Award (one of only 12 suppliers worldwide)
Our deep-rooted community partnerships that have delivered award-winning wellbeing programmes and life-changing opportunities for local young people

CEO Simon Pritchard commented: “These awards belong to every single person at Philtronics – past and present. We started this company with a simple belief: that world-class manufacturing and genuine social impact can, and should, go hand-in-hand. To be recognised as both the best at developing future talent and the leading SME in Wales is humbling and incredibly motivating.”

CFO Anne Pritchard added:
“We are living proof that investing in people, embracing digital technology and staying rooted in your community creates a winning formula – not just for awards, but for long-term, sustainable success.”

A huge thank you to Make UK, to all our partners (especially Merthyr College, Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme, Coleg y Cymoedd, University of South Wales, Action for Children , Ospreys in the Community , Great Days Golf and KLA), and most importantly to the amazing Philtronics team who make everything we do possible.

Here’s to the next chapter – growing stronger, together.

We are beyond excited to now represent Wales in both the Developing Future Talent and SME of the Year categories at the Make UK National Manufacturing Awards Gala on 29th January 2026 at Madame Tussauds, London. We can’t wait to celebrate with the very best of UK manufacturing!

See the full list of Wales winners here:
Make UK Regional Winners – Wales 2025

Read the full story in Business News Wales:
Business News Wales – Make UK Awards 2025 Wales Winners

Celebrating National Engineering Day 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:53:17 GMT

Celebrating National Engineering Day 2025: Insights from Philtronics’ Network75 Degree Apprentices Will and Caleb

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the vital role of engineering apprenticeships in shaping the future of innovation. At Philtronics, our Network75 BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree apprentices, Will (in his final year) and Caleb (newly started in Year 3), embody the spirit of problem-solving and collaboration that defines this special day. Through a tailored questionnaire, we sat down with them to explore how their hands-on industry experience at Philtronics is fuelling their professional growth, fostering mentorship, and driving real-world impact.

Here’s what they had to say.

Reflecting on the Journey

Will, you’ve been with Philtronics for four years. What’s the most significant skill or lesson you’ve learned through hands-on experience, and how has it shaped your approach to engineering?

Will : “ The best skills I’ve gained from Philtronics are the ability to combine my theoretical knowledge from university and see where it applies in real-world products. This has made me more methodical and confident when understanding a product’s purpose and technical specifications .”

Caleb, as a new apprentice, what excites you most about starting at Philtronics, especially with National Engineering Day’s focus on advancing technology and innovation?

Caleb : “ I’m most excited to learn about advancing technology. This could be advances locally on new circuit board components or on a greater scale dealing with brand-new systems .”

Will, can you share a specific example of how your work at Philtronics has contributed to solving real-world engineering challenges?

Will : “ My advancements at Philtronics have really helped my fault-finding skills. For example, I discovered a faulty transformer on a motor control circuit board. The practical skills I’ve developed allowed me to understand the component’s purpose and behaviour under normal circumstances. Combining that with my university studies helped me correct the fault and meet deadlines .”

Caleb, how do you think hands-on experience at Philtronics will benefit your professional development compared to classroom learning?

Caleb : “ Compared to classroom-based learning, industry experience at Philtronics will improve my understanding of the real world while working in a real work environment. Classroom learning is mostly solitary, but at Philtronics, I work with colleagues, which improves my teamwork skills and furthers my professional development. ”

The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship is a cornerstone of success at Philtronics, and Will’s four years of experience make him an invaluable guide for Caleb.

Will, how do you plan to share your knowledge with Caleb to help him succeed?

Will : “ I plan to share my knowledge through demonstrations and over-the-shoulder testing or problem-solving. A specific example is teaching Caleb about our Radio Frequency generators. These are unique to specific units and require careful introduction due to their high output possibilities and individual setups. ”

Caleb, how do you think learning from Will’s experience will help you progress faster?

Caleb : “ Will’s four years of experience will help me in many areas. He can point out quirks and caveats in testing that I might struggle to pick up on my own. This will help me fill in gaps quickly and boost my progress .”

Caleb, what specific skills do you hope to gain from working with Will?

Caleb : “ I’d like to expand my fault-finding skills on electrical systems and learn to interpret engineering test schedules and diagrams effectively. Also, Will can help me navigate company software, which is something I’m eager to master .”

Will, why do you think mentorship is important in engineering?

Will : “ Mentorship is crucial for introducing people to new technical environments. Working with colleagues at Philtronics has benefited me majorly. They’ve guided me on safety, functionality, and practical skills that you can’t learn in a classroom. Mentorship allows you to ask questions and develop understanding in an appropriate timeframe. ”

Caleb, what’s a question you’d like to ask Will about his journey at Philtronics?

Caleb : “ What was something that took you the longest to be proficient in, and how did you achieve it? ”

Celebrating National Engineering Day

National Engineering Day celebrates engineers as problem-solvers and innovators, and both Will and Caleb are already contributing to this vision at Philtronics.

How do you see your work at Philtronics aligning with this vision?

Will : “ My work at Philtronics engages with problem-solving daily. In the testing department, systems sometimes don’t meet test standards, so I use problem-solving skills, equipment, and diagrams to identify and amend issues. This contributes to innovation by making processes more efficient or working with cutting-edge systems. ”

Caleb : “ Philtronics is aiding the continuous development of modern engineering systems. Even though we focus on lower-level sub-assemblies, these are vital for advancing consumer-level technologies. My work involves problem-solving and occasionally working with innovative systems, letting me play a role as an innovator. ”

Why is industry experience critical for young engineers, and how does your apprenticeship at Philtronics embody the spirit of National Engineering Day?

Will : “ Industry experience helps young engineers apply theoretical work to physical ideas. Philtronics embodies this by giving apprentices opportunities across multiple areas of the business, providing a great introduction to the industry .”

Caleb : “ Industry experience is critical because you face real-world issues that you can’t fully grasp in classes. Philtronics gives me a chance to engage with industrial engineering, ensuring I don’t fall behind my peers .”

If you could showcase one aspect of your apprenticeship to inspire others on National Engineering Day, what would it be?

Will : “ I’d showcase the range of equipment and systems we work with, from low-level voltage at the IC level to AC UK mains voltages and high-frequency operations. It highlights the variety of procedures and aspects of electrical engineering .”

Caleb : “ It would be the range of systems I get to work with, from KLA to local companies. It encompasses many aspects of engineering and shows how diverse the apprenticeship is. ”

Looking Ahead

As Will nears the end of his apprenticeship and Caleb embarks on his journey, both have clear goals and a vision for their future at Philtronics.

Will, how will you use your experience to inspire the next generation of apprentices?

Will : “ I plan to provide the next generation with all the knowledge I’ve gathered over the last five years. I aim to show how deeply my understanding has developed and inspire them to apply what they’ve learned in their studies .”

Caleb, what are your goals for your first year, and how will you leverage Will’s experience?

Caleb : “ My goal is to become as knowledgeable and capable as possible in my role. I’ll leverage Will’s experience by asking frequent questions and taking notes on his advice .”

Will, what are your professional goals for the next year?

Will : “ My aim is to finalize my degree and continue progressing my knowledge and skills as an engineer. Philtronics has equipped me with hands-on experience and a collaborative environment to reinforce my skillset .”

Caleb, how do you envision your role evolving as you gain more experience?

Caleb : “ I envision becoming much more capable and maybe even being in Will’s position one day, helping someone newer than me .”

Closing Thoughts

Will and Caleb’s reflections capture the essence of National Engineering Day: innovation, collaboration, and the power of hands-on experience. At Philtronics, our apprenticeship program not only equips young engineers and technicians with technical skills but also fosters a culture of mentorship and growth, evidenced by our recent shortlisting for two separate "Developing Future Talent" awards: Made in Wales and Make UK . Our unwavering commitment to facilitating apprenticeships at both degree and BTEC levels underscores our dedication to providing opportunities for learners eager to gain real industry and hands-on experience as part of their professional development. As Will prepares to take the next step in his career and Caleb begins his journey with us, their shared commitment to problem-solving and learning from each other reflects the bright future of engineering. Here’s to celebrating their contributions, our award-recognised talent pipeline, and the countless ways engineers shape the world!

In line with Engineering Day, we are excited to launch our new apprentice reward scheme, designed to challenge, recognise, and reward the outstanding achievements of our 8 apprentices throughout the upcoming academic year. This initiative will inspire innovation, foster skill development, and celebrate the dedication of our emerging engineering talent.

Want to learn more about the Network75 degree apprenticeships at Philtronics? Visit the University of South Wales BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering course and stay tuned for more stories from our team! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our apprenticeship pathways including our partnership with Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme, Tydfil Training and Merthyr Tydfil College .

Philtronics x Militec

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 14:23:21 GMT

Philtronics x Militec: A Case Study in SME Collaboration for Defence Innovation

1. History and Partnership Foundations

Militec was established in 1997 by a team with extensive expertise in the production of shooting range target equipment. Specialising in the design and manufacture of small arms training systems, Militec delivers high-quality, durable deployable targets tailored to the rigorous demands of military and police forces worldwide. Their product line supports diverse training scenarios, from basic classification shooting to advanced tactical training, ensuring operational readiness in the toughest environments.

Located in Mountain Ash, RCT — just 10 miles from Philtronics' base — the two companies share a longstanding relationship that pre-dates Martin Gibson's acquisition of Militec in 2021. For years, Philtronics has supplied Militec with essential PCB assemblies, fostering a reliable supplier-customer dynamic. At Philtronics, prioritising local business support and collaborative opportunities is core to our ethos. Over the past 12 months, ongoing discussions on product design enhancements and staff development have transformed this partnership into a strategic alliance, exemplifying how SMEs can unite to drive innovation in the defence sector.

2. Joint Development Initiatives

Building on Militec's existing designs, Philtronics is engineering a versatile, generic communication board compatible with Militec's entire product lineup. This unified platform streamlines operations by enabling bulk production and deployment across multiple systems, while incorporating expansion capabilities for future technologies — such as Bluetooth or NFC integration — to meet evolving customer needs in dynamic defence training environments.

The board also facilitates seamless interfacing with high-power motor and mechanical control systems, enhancing reliability and adaptability for military-grade applications. Key benefits include:

Economies of Scale : Reduced manufacturing costs through standardised components.
Operational Efficiency : Simplified inventory management and easier on-site debugging for end-users.
Future-Proofing : Modular design that anticipates emerging defence tech requirements, ensuring long-term viability in a rapidly evolving sector.

This collaborative R&D effort underscores how SMEs like Philtronics and Militec can pool expertise to create resilient, scalable solutions that bolster defence training capabilities.

3. Skills Training and Knowledge Transfer

To further strengthen the partnership, three Militec team members — Sam Lewis-Day, Marijus Sugajevas, and Tiago Fonseca — attended a two-day program at the Philtronics Academy. The training expanded their technical skills through hands-on sessions with our experts, covering:

IPC-certified soldering techniques.
Advanced rework and repair methods.
Best practices for conformal coating and other protective measures critical for defence electronics.

Participant feedback highlighted the program's practical value, noting improved confidence in handling complex assemblies and a deeper understanding of quality standards. This initiative demonstrates the tangible benefits of SME collaboration: mutual skill-sharing that elevates workforce capabilities, reduces dependency on external providers, and ensures compliance with stringent defence industry requirements.

4. The Power of SME Collaboration in Defence

In the defence sector, where innovation, precision, and resilience are paramount, partnerships between SMEs like Philtronics and Militec illustrate the transformative potential of collaboration. By expanding beyond transactional relationships, we've unlocked shared value— from cost efficiencies and technological advancements to enhanced training outcomes for military and law enforcement personnel.

This case study highlights how local SMEs can amplify their impact: leveraging proximity for agile problem-solving, fostering innovation without the bureaucracy of larger entities, and contributing to national defence ecosystems. As Philtronics continues to support the sector with cutting-edge manufacturing, we're committed to deepening such alliances, proving that collaborative SMEs are a powerhouse for sustainable growth and strategic advantage.

5. Testimonials

Martin Gibson, Managing Director, Militec Ltd

As a small ‘family-based’ defence company based in Mountain Ash, South Wales, Militec places incredible value on the trusted and unbroken relationship developed with Philtronics over two generations as our key electronic manufacturer and sub-system supplier.

Philtronics is a fantastic example of a dynamic rapidly growing Welsh technology company that not only provides Militec with leading edge electronic technology but also actively supports our small team with product development and ongoing technical training

Simon & Anne Pritchard have a deep bond with the Welsh Valleys investing in local youth employment programs and numerous charitable endeavours whilst still finding the time to chair Manufacturing Wales and other business pursuits and the Militec team look forward to many decades of future collaboration.

Simon Pritchard, CEO, Philtronics Ltd

At Philtronics, we believe the future of defence innovation lies in the strength of local partnerships. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Militec has proven that when SMEs combine deep expertise, shared values, and a commitment to excellence, we don’t just build better products, we build a more capable, resilient defence ecosystem for the UK and beyond.

TSW Leadership and Management Training

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:03:21 GMT

As the business grows, Philtronics continues to invest in its people to strengthen leadership, nurture internal talent, and create a culture of continuous improvement through initiatives such as the Philtronics Academy.

Philtronics' Training Brief

The company recognised the need to further develop its management team to support sustained growth and operational excellence.

Many of the organisation’s managers had progressed organically through the ranks, gaining deep product and process expertise over years of hands-on experience.

While this practical knowledge was an invaluable asset, Philtronics saw an opportunity to complement it with formal leadership development.

The goal was to equip managers with the confidence, tools, and mindset to lead effectively in a fast-moving environment, improving communication, strengthening emotional intelligence, and empowering them to support their own teams’ growth.

TSW's Solution

To meet this need, Philtronics partnered with TSW Training to deliver the ILM Level 3 in Leadership & Management through the Philtronics Academy.

The three-day, face-to-face programme, delivered by TSW, was tailored to Philtronics’ management team and covered:

Team leadership and managing relationships
Communication and core management skills
Emotional intelligence in leadership
Navigating business change and innovation

Seven managers participated in the programme, completing three formal assignments that directly applied their learning to live workplace challenges.

By embedding the programme within the Philtronics Academy, the company created a dedicated space for leadership growth and reinforced its commitment to developing internal talent.

TSW Training also supported Philtronics in securing 50% funding , ensuring the investment remained cost-effective.

Return On Investment

The Impact

The ILM Level 3 Award has had a transformative impact on the management team. Managers, many of whom have long been part of the Philtronics journey, reported greater confidence, enhanced communication skills, and improved collaboration across departments.

The programme has:

Strengthened teamwork and relationships across the business
Improved adaptability to change and innovation
Enhanced company culture through emotionally intelligent leadership

By combining their existing technical expertise with new leadership capabilities, managers are now better equipped to motivate their teams, delegate effectively, and drive performance.

The Outcome

By investing in leadership development through the Philtronics Academy, the business has achieved measurable improvements across its management team and wider operations.

Managers are more confident in decision-making, better at supporting their teams, and adept at applying emotional intelligence to strengthen workplace relationships. This has led to improved engagement, collaboration, and a more positive organisational culture.

The training has also enhanced Philtronics’ ability to adapt to change and drive innovation.

Managers are now more proactive in identifying opportunities for process improvements and implementing change initiatives, leading to increased efficiency and resilience.

The ILM Level 3 in Leadership & Management has been a transformative investment in Philtronics’ management capability. Building on the deep business knowledge of its people, the programme equipped managers with practical tools to drive team performance, foster collaboration, and lead with confidence.

Next Steps

The success of the ILM Level 3 programme marks just the beginning. As part of its ongoing people-development strategy, Philtronics has already booked Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt programmes, as well as HR Skills for Non-HR Managers courses with TSW, continuing its investment in leadership and operational excellence.

Through the Philtronics Academy and its partnership with TSW Training, Philtronics is ensuring that its managers and the wider business are equipped for sustained growth, innovation, and long-term success.

Testimonials From Philtronics

Anne Pritchard, CFO of Philtronics, shared:

“The training delivered by TSW has had a very positive impact on our team. All participants rated the training 5 out of 5, agreeing that the content was engaging and directly applicable to their roles. Their learning was significantly enhanced by the trainer's extensive knowledge and the real-world experiences shared throughout the course.”

Dan, Quality & NPI Manager, added:

“Really enjoyed the tuition from TSW. Clearly the trainer is an individual with a wealth of knowledge and experience that made the course enjoyable and relatable. I would welcome another training opportunity with TSW and with the same instructor.”

When asked how they plan to apply their learning, Calum, Engineering Manager, highlighted: “The motivation and team improvement techniques,” underscoring the practical value of the programme for day-to-day leadership.

Staff Spotlight: Dalila Rule

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:07:49 GMT

Philtronics Staff Spotlight: Dalila Rule, Materials Manager

We’re thrilled to welcome Dalila Rule to the Philtronics team as our new Materials Manager. Joining us in March 2025, Dalila brings a wealth of experience and a passion for driving excellence in supply chain and operations management. Her application, submitted through Vibe Recruit in January 2025, highlighted her impressive track record and enthusiasm for taking on new challenges. Let’s get to know Dalila and her exciting journey with Philtronics!

A Warm Welcome to Philtronics

Dalila has hit the ground running since joining us, quickly settling into her role. “I feel like I’ve been here for longer than I actually have!” she shares. “My colleagues, team, and senior management have been incredibly welcoming, approachable, and supportive, which completely removed the ‘starting a new job’ apprehensions.” This warm reception has allowed Dalila to dive into her responsibilities with confidence and excitement.

The Role of Materials Manager

As Materials Manager, Dalila’s days are dynamic and varied. “The best thing about my job is that there is no ‘typical day’ – every day is different!” she says. While Mondays involve key meetings to review business priorities, workload, and challenges, the rest of the week is filled with diverse tasks that keep her engaged. Dalila’s role involves making critical decisions that impact people, processes, and profitability. “Sound decision-making is key,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of considering the broader implications of her choices and how they shape future actions.

A Vision for Growth and Change

Dalila joined Philtronics at an exciting time as the company embarks on a period of transformation. She’s eager to contribute her extensive experience in change implementation across multiple industries. “I’m most excited about sharing my knowledge and being part of taking Philtronics to the next chapter in its history,” she says. Her priorities include empowering her team with the skills, tools, and confidence to excel while driving continuous improvements across the business. Dalila’s ultimate goal? To achieve significant changes in both team dynamics and business processes, creating a lasting impact.

A Passion for Manufacturing and Electronics

Dalila’s interest in manufacturing stems from its complexity and the thrill of creating tangible products. “Electronics and technology are absolutely the future,” she says. “The multiple processes involved in manufacturing our products can be complex and varied, and this is what I find interesting.” Her background in highly regulated environments, such as defence and automotive, has equipped her with the expertise to navigate the challenges of electronics manufacturing, making her a perfect fit for Philtronics.

Why Philtronics?

When asked why she applied for the role, Dalila highlights the company’s strong team spirit and open culture. “I was interested in working for an SME, and Philtronics stood out as having a great team spirit and open culture – which it absolutely does have,” she says. She values the positive and supportive environment, noting that the flexibility of an SME allows it to adapt quickly to customer needs and global influences. What sets Philtronics apart? “Its ethos,” Dalila says. “The company is very customer- and people-oriented, creating a special environment that encourages teamwork and development.”

A Stellar Career Journey

Dalila’s CV showcases an impressive career spanning defence, automotive, and logistics. Most recently, she served as Demand Fulfilment Manager at General Dynamics Land Systems (2017–2023), where she led the implementation of processes for defence contracts, managed high-performing teams, and delivered a business-critical site relocation project. Her achievements include improving delivery performance from 55% to 89% in eight months and reducing repair arrears by 90% in a year. Prior roles at AMCO Services, Briggs Equipment, and others saw her establish logistics facilities, achieve ISO 9001 accreditation, and drive operational excellence.

After a redundancy from General Dynamics, Dalila took a career break in 2023 to reassess her goals, upskill through courses like Agile & Scrum Management and Prince2, and pursue Welsh language studies. Now, she’s ready to apply her transferable skills to Philtronics, bringing her expertise in materials, supplier, and cost management, as well as her familiarity with engineering, quality, and production cycles like PPAP and New Product Introduction.

Why Join Philtronics?

Dalila wholeheartedly recommends Philtronics as a workplace. “It’s a dynamic and exciting place to work where talent is recognised and developed, and the opportunity to train and move into different roles is encouraged,” she says. For those considering a similar career path, Dalila highlights the rewards and challenges of electronics manufacturing. “It’s a dynamic and exciting environment,” she notes, emphasizing the critical contributions of departments like sourcing, logistics, and quality in delivering end products. As part of a team with Distinguished Supplier status, Dalila finds it incredibly rewarding to contribute to collective success.

Looking Ahead

With her Six Sigma Black Belt, Military Packaging Accreditation, and extensive experience, Dalila is poised to make a significant impact at Philtronics. Her enthusiasm for driving process improvements, building high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional results aligns perfectly with our mission. We’re excited to see how Dalila’s leadership and vision will help shape the future of Philtronics as we move into this next chapter.

Welcome, Dalila, and here’s to a bright future with Philtronics!

Interested in joining our team? Visit our contact page , scroll down to “Get in Touch” and tell us why you would like to become part of our dynamic, people-oriented culture!

Staff Spotlight: Wayne Churchill

Tue, 20 May 2025 08:31:15 GMT

Philtronics is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Wayne Churchill, who stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in March 2025, after serving as Purchasing Manager since January. With a wealth of experience and a passion for driving success, Wayne is already making waves in his new role, steering Philtronics toward a brighter, more efficient future.

A Dynamic Leader with a Vision

Wayne brings over 30 years of expertise in procurement, supply chain, and operations management to his role as COO. His career spans diverse industries, from aerospace to oil and gas, where he has consistently delivered results. His proven track record as a strategic thinker and team mentor makes him the perfect fit to lead Philtronics’ day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

Reflecting on his new role, Wayne shares, “As I commence the third month in my new role, I am settling in as expected. It is a demanding role carrying significant expectation.” His focus is clear: ensuring smooth operations while pushing for innovation and efficiency. “My intention is simple. Make Philtronics more successful and to be the ‘Supplier of choice’,” he states.

Taking Philtronics to the Next Level

As COO, Wayne oversees the company’s daily operations and drives strategic initiatives to elevate Philtronics in the competitive electronics industry. His typical day involves critical decision-making, from implementing advanced manufacturing capabilities to optimizing resource use. “Strategic development and direction is key. Sound judgements and decision making is critical to support successful execution,” Wayne explains. He’s particularly excited about leveraging cutting-edge tools to secure Philtronics’ future, noting, “Deciding how best to utilise the tools at our disposal is paramount. Vitally important to the future of Philtronics.”

Looking ahead, Wayne is energized by the prospect of collective success. “Success. Working with the team to collectively achieve success,” he says when asked what he’s most looking forward to in the coming months. His goal is to foster a culture of working smarter, not harder, capitalizing on the team’s exemplary dedication.

Why Philtronics?

Wayne’s journey to Philtronics began with a relocation from Dorset, where he saw the company as a standout opportunity. “I saw Philtronics as the ‘stand out’ company ticking all the boxes I had in mind,” he recalls. The company’s core values, rich history, and commitment to nurturing the next generation resonated deeply with him. “The history, what it stands for, the vision and the opportunities the company offers to the younger generation… Philtronics’ values are similar to my own, and dovetail well,” he adds.

Wayne is a strong advocate for Philtronics as a workplace, especially for young professionals. “Electronics combined with AI is the future and the experience within has to be shared. This is important for, and to the future,” he emphasizes, encouraging others to join the company.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

For those eyeing a career path like his, Wayne’s advice is both practical and inspiring: “Never have doubt in your own ability. Set yourself objectives and milestones to achieve. Above all, work hard, be determined and never give in. Success is in your destiny. Only you have control over this.” He views his role as both challenging and rewarding, adding, “You only get out what you put in.”

A Bright Future Ahead

With Wayne Churchill at the helm as COO, Philtronics is poised for growth and innovation. His leadership, driven by a passion for success and a commitment to teamwork, is set to propel the company to new heights. We’re excited to see where Wayne’s vision takes Philtronics next!

Interested in joining a dynamic team like Wayne’s? Get in touch with us and be part of shaping the future of electronics manufacturing in South Wales.

Philtronics' Path to Innovation, Growth and Partnership

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:13:13 GMT

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Philtronics has been honoured with KLA ’s prestigious Special Contribution Award at their 2024 Supplier Day in San Francisco. Simon and Anne were proud to accept the award on behalf of Philtronics, wishing the entire team could have shared this moment. This recognition from a global leader in technology and manufacturing solutions is not just a monumental achievement for our company, but also a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of our entire team. The award also underscores our ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries through innovation, growth, and partnership.

Insights from Sport: Steve Kerr’s Lessons in Leadership

At the event, Simon and Anne were reminded sports and business management have a natural affinity, a theme echoed by none other than the legendary Steve Kerr, team mate to Michael Jordan, and five times NBA Champion, whose insights on leadership reinforced our own core values of teamwork, respect and innovation – principles at the heart of Philtronics.

Steve Kerr’s presentation was both inspiring and motivational, focusing on how lessons from sport can be applied to business. Whether it’s basketball, rugby or football, success doesn’t come from one star player – it’s about every individual working together, executing a strategy and adapting to challenges. In business, it’s no different: teamwork, perseverance and strategy are essential for fostering growth and staying competitive.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of leadership in building resilience. In high-performance sports, great leaders – whether coaches or team captains – help their teams build resilience by pushing through setbacks, learning from losses and maintaining focus on long-term goals. Similarly for us at Philtronics, leadership means fostering an environment where every challenge is seen as an opportunity to grow stronger. Leaders who encourage adaptability empower their teams to embrace change and innovate quickly, ensuring you stay agile in a fast-moving industry.

Andries Pretorius: Fostering Leadership and High-Performance

At Philtronics, we’ve been fortunate to work with Andries Pretorius , a former Wales rugby international player, and now Founder of the immersive learning and training company, One Step North . Andries is a long-term friend and collaborator of Philtronics and has provided leadership training that complements the lessons shared by Steve Kerr in San Francisco. With a background in business psychology and his passion for high-performance sport, Andries has given our teams new insights into resilience, collaboration and strategic thinking.

Andries has helped our leadership team understand and apply some invaluable insights taken from the mindset and practices of professional athletes to the business world. Focusing on personal wellbeing, Andries highlighted the connection between self-care and effective leadership, emphasising that leaders perform best when they are physically and mentally prepared, which in turn helps foster an excellent working environment for all. He also drew parallels between communication on the field and in the workplace. The right mix of ability, competency and character can create a cohesive, strong unit.

Andries encourages leaders to always reflect on behaviours that positively impact the team and the business – behavioural economics. Steve Kerr endorsed the same behaviours at the KLA Supplier Day, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, trust and support. It’s the combined actions of each player that help the team win the match or make it to the championships; so being able to effectively communicate and work well together is vital.

Andries’ parting adage: “What’s rewarded is repeated,” reinforced the significance of celebrating positive behaviours. At Philtronics, we believe in recognising and rewarding this, whether that’s through employee awards, perks such as a gym membership or team building days. Through these gestures, we aim to show that good behaviours help us work better together, and when we work together, we can achieve great things.

Expanding Our Commitment: Great Days Golf

These lessons have played a significant role in helping Philtronics cultivate the kind of organisational culture that drives innovation, growth and partnership. Why is this so important to us? At Philtronics, we believe that innovation and growth are best achieved through collaboration. Just as teamwork is key in sports, so partnership in business helps us accomplish more together than we could alone.

In line with these values, we are very pleased to announce our partnership with Action for Children in support of Great Days Golf 's new Inclusion Academy. This initiative will give disadvantaged and disabled children and young people the chance to enjoy the beautiful game of golf in a fun and inclusive way.

This programme resonated with us. Through our own Philtronics Academy, we understand the importance of accessibility and showing individuals that they have the capacity to achieve more than they initially believe. Whether in business or sport, providing opportunities for growth, learning and empowerment is key to creating strong, resilient teams. We ensure this through our career pathways and apprenticeships , which help to dispel the myth that certain careers are impossible for young people to access without the relevant training, skills and qualifications.

Great Days Golf follows this same ethos and will be offering a scholarship for a young person to pursue their passion for golf professionally. This shows how sport can be a powerful pathway to new beginnings, opening doors to futures that might have once seemed out of reach. At Philtronics, we believe in the transformative power of both business and sport to shape lives, and we’re proud to support this incredible initiative.

As we move forward, we remain committed to leading through innovation, collaboration and strategic partnership. To follow our journey, connect with us on social media ( LinkedIn and X ) or sign up for our newsletter .

Philtronics Opens Its Doors to Inspire the Next Generation of Engineers

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:25:18 GMT

Today, we proudly welcomed a group of Level 3 Enhanced Engineering students from Merthyr College to our headquarters. The visit offered learners and their lecturers a firsthand look at our operations, underscoring our commitment to addressing skills shortages in the electronics industry by nurturing emerging talent. At Philtronics, we believe real-world exposure is key to enhancing classroom learning, and we’re eager to play our part in shaping the next generation of technicians and engineers.

In an era where hands-on experience is as crucial as academic knowledge, we see industry partnerships as a vital bridge to student development and career readiness. By building strong ties with local colleges, we aim to open doors for learners, helping them explore career paths and understand what specific job titles—like those in manufacturing—truly entail.

The day was designed to be interactive and engaging, connecting theoretical studies to practical applications. Here’s how it unfolded:

1. Introduction to Philtronics

Students dove into our company’s history, community impact, and manufacturing processes, gaining valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities within the electronics sector.

2. Hands-on assembly workshop

Guided by our skilled engineers, learners practiced soldering and crimping—skills that highlight the precision and attention to detail demanded in electronics manufacturing.

3. Virtual Reality Learning

At the Philtronics Academy, our VR training exercises provided an immersive way to explore manufacturing workflows, blending cutting-edge technology with education.

4. Facility Tour

A tour of our facilities showcased high-tech processes and gave students the chance to interact with professionals across departments, offering a 360-degree view of life in a global electronics operation.

The visit was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of key team members like trainer Kayleigh, Engineering Manager Calum, and CTO Simon Street, who ensured the day ran seamlessly. The feedback from students and lecturers spoke volumes:

- Overall experience: 11 out of 14 students rated their visit as “Excellent.”

- Expectations met: 100% said “Yes.”

- Understanding the industry: 7 out of 14 strongly agreed the visit deepened their grasp of the business, with all agreeing it was relevant to their studies or career interests.

- Growth impact: 5 strongly agreed, and 9 agreed, that the experience would contribute to their academic or professional development.

- Engagement level: 10 rated staff interaction as “Excellent,” with 4 saying “Very Good.” Every student felt encouraged to ask questions and join discussions.

- Theory meets practice: All agreed the visit bridged classroom learning with real-world applications.

When asked how we could improve, the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Bobbi said, “I’m not sure as it was brilliant,” while lecturer Phil Cartright called it “a brilliant interactive experience” with “no noted improvements.” Bryony suggested that, if time allowed, a small project aligned with the BTEC framework could show how their work fits into real-life applications.

Favourite Moments

The students’ favourite moments highlighted the day’s impact:

- Alix praised the welcoming staff who made the experience “as enjoyable as possible.”

- Liam loved the soldering workshop, saying it taught him “new skills.”

- Michaela enjoyed “learning about what Philtronics do,” while Ethan valued “experiencing activities like soldering and seeing how parts are constructed” on the factory tour.

- Jake appreciated the detailed talks and hands-on activities, noting how staff “really engaged with us.”

- Owain called our team “passionate to teach,” and Bryony cherished the “family feel” of connecting with staff on a first-name basis—a refreshing reminder that not all businesses distance themselves from their shop floor.

- Phil summed it up with his enthusiasm for “getting involved in the practical aspects” like soldering, crimping, and VR.

At Philtronics, we’re thrilled to inspire and equip these students for their futures. This visit is just the beginning of our efforts to foster talent and strengthen ties with education partners. We can’t wait to welcome more learners through our doors!

Philtronics and the Power of Esports

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:26:30 GMT

In the world of technology and electronics, a growing trend is emerging – companies getting involved with grassroots sports. As a small but growing business with a real investment in our local communities, we understand the importance of nurturing local talent and supporting young people in pursuing a genuine interest in technology. To show our commitment, we’ve taken our relationship with Coleg y Cymoedd to the next level by sponsoring their Esports Wales League. But what impact will this have on the students we’re supporting and the growth of the electronics industry? Read on to find out.

Esports jersey sponsorship

By sponsoring two local college Esports teams from Coleg y Cymoedd, the Cymoedd Crusaders and Rhondda Rising, we’re not only recognising the potential of our younger, tech-savvy audiences – we're getting in front of them. This type of sponsorship, particularly jerseys, helps support the teams financially while ensuring the Philtronics brand is visible among students and fans who follow these competitions. By putting the Philtronics brand at the forefront of the digital, competitive gaming sphere, we recognise the significant benefits the sector offers local colleges like Coleg y Cymoedd. From supplying equipment and training opportunities, even to providing career opportunities for students – the profile boosting offered through the Esports Wales League opens doors to more than just funds.

As well as providing opportunities in an educational setting, this type of sponsorship will also offer students recreational and professional pathways into gaming, along with plenty of other benefits such as:

Benefits for students:

Career awareness: By showcasing real-world industry involvement, students gain insight into possible career paths within gaming, electronic and technology sectors, ranging from professional gaming to roles in marketing, software development, or content creation.
Increased educational opportunities: Sponsorship often comes with additional resources like workshops, mentorship, or access to industry-standard technology, offerings that we are keen to explore and evolve at Philtronics.
Skills development: Students can develop not just their gaming skills but also skills like teamwork and public speaking, as well as increased motivation and confidence
Networking opportunities: Interactions with industry professionals through sponsored events or programmes can lead to internships, or even job offers; providing a direct link from education to employment. This is something we’re already growing at Philtronics through our connections with local schools and colleges that promote career pathways and apprenticeship opportunities.

For companies like Philtron ics:

Brand loyalty: The grassroots approach we’re taking to support young people in their developmental years increases the likeliness of students remembering and aligning with our company.
Talent nurturing: Sponsoring Esports teams allows us spot talent early on and support individuals who have the potential to grow within the electronics industry.
Community building: Through investing in local teams, we're contributing to the growth of the Esports community, increasing opportunities for young people.
Innovation feedback: we appreciate genuine feedback from the next generation! Direct engagement with students provides us with fresh perspectives on technology and consumer preferences, potentially leading to innovative approaches or services tailored to younger audiences.
Marketing and PR: The visibility gained from sponsoring local teams can be used in marketing campaigns, showing the company's commitment to education, community, and the future of gaming.
ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance): supporting community initiatives and providing local opportunities aligns with our ESG commitment, reinforcing our core values within Philtronics.

We believe that through our sponsorship of the Cymoedd Crusaders and Rhondda Rising, we can help nurture the next generation of professionals with an interest in technology. And at the same time, we’re excited to grow Philtronics within a sector that's constantly evolving. It's a win-win scenario when local educational institutions and companies collaborate to shape the future of Esports and technology.

Philtronics x Coleg Y Cymoedd

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:34:22 GMT

In today’s world, hands-on experience is as vital as academic knowledge. Philtronics and Coleg Y Cymoedd have teamed up to prepare Wales’ next generation of electronics engineers, demonstrating the value of real-world exposure in enhancing classroom learning. This case study highlights a series of collaborative opportunities between Coleg Y Cymoedd and Philtronics, showcasing how industry partnerships enrich student development and career readiness.

Background

Coleg Y Cymoedd offers a range of engineering and electronics courses, from foundation to advanced levels, equipping students with critical skills for a competitive job market. Recognising the importance of hands-on experience, the college sought a partner to broaden students’ understanding of electronics manufacturing. With global reach and over 20 years of dedication to the Welsh community from our base in Hirwaun, Aberdare, Philtronics was the ideal choice, having already trained several apprentices and invested deeply in developing local talent.

Level 2 Electronics Students Visit Philtronics

Our goal for the visit of Coleg Y Cymoedd’s Level 2 Electronics students was to offer an engaging, interactive experience that connected academic studies to practical industry applications.

The visit included:

1. Introduction to Philtronics: Students learned about our history, community impact and manufacturing processes, gaining insight into career opportunities within the sector.

2. Hands-on Assembly Workshop: Under the guidance of our experienced engineers, students practiced soldering and crimping, emphasising the precision and detail required in electronics manufacturing.

3. Virtual Reality Learning: Our VR training exercises at the Philtronics Academy offered an immersive way to understand manufacturing workflows.

4. Facility Tour: Students toured our facilities, observed high-tech workflows, and interacted with professionals across departments, offering a comprehensive view of operations in a global electronics setting.

David Howells, Head of Engineering at Coleg Y Cymoedd , praised the visit as "a superb trip” that vividly demonstrated the application of theoretical knowledge and called it a "life-changing investment of time” for many. The students left feeling inspired and more confident about their career possibilities in electronics.

Apprenticeships and Career Pathways

The visit sparked new conversations about future career development, leading to a successful half-term work placement for an Enhanced Engineering (EEPS) student. During this week-long experience, the student rotated through all areas of production, including PCBA, loom assembly, clean room, box build, cabinet build, inspection and testing, gaining a broad understanding of each discipline.

Reflections on the experience:

“I found my week at Philtronics great; I’ve learnt lots of skills that will help me later in my career. Testing was particularly interesting, and the busy production environment was enjoyable. The staff were welcoming and respectful – I felt like part of the team and can definitely see myself coming back for an apprenticeship.” Evan, EEPS student.

“Thank you to Philtronics for once again opening your doors to our learners. Your support has been invaluable. We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership.” Will Brook, Work Placement and Employer Engagement Coordinator.

Building on this success, we will replicate the placement in February 2025, this time inviting two students to gain vital first-hand experience and employability skills.

Expanding Our Apprenticeship Programme

Philtronics is committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers through our structured apprenticeship programmes , and we are proud to partner with initiatives like Network75 and Merthyr College’s Aspire, providing students with opportunities to earn qualifications while working on real-world projects.

Success stories:

Will : A Network75 apprentice from the University of South Wales, joined us in 2021 and has made significant strides in his engineering career.

Lucas : Started as an apprentice and is now a fully qualified Electrical Engineer. After completing his NVQ Level 3, he is pursuing a Higher National Certificate (HNC), sponsored by Philtronics, to continue advancing his skills.

We also currently house three new apprentices who are working toward their NVQs, each thriving in our supportive, practical learning environment.

Reaching a Wider Audience

Our relationship with Coleg Y Cymoedd extends beyond traditional engineering pathways. By sponsoring their Esports Wales League, we are engaging students across diverse disciplines, enhancing our brand presence and inspiring a wider audience. This sponsorship showcases our commitment to supporting young talent in both academic and extracurricular endeavours.

Additionally, we recognise the value of transferable skills from other fields, such as construction. Many skills developed in construction courses – like precision, problem-solving and teamwork – are highly relevant to electronics manufacturing. We are keen to host visits from construction cohorts and showcase how their expertise can translate into careers in our industry.

Group Tutorials and Community Engagement

To further support student learning, we plan to conduct group tutorials at Coleg Y Cymoedd. Our engineers will visit the campus to deliver practical sessions and discuss career opportunities, providing valuable insights into the engineering profession. These sessions will also highlight the accessibility of STEM careers and encourage students to consider their future at Philtronics.

Looking to the Future

Philtronics and Coleg Y Cymoedd’s partnership is one built on shared values and a commitment to student success. Our recent discussions have laid the groundwork for inviting Level 3 Engineering students to our facilities, showcasing employment opportunities as they approach graduation. By opening our doors to more students and expanding our outreach, we aim to inspire learners to see the benefits of studying electrical and electronics engineering.

We invite local secondary schools and colleges, career advisors and industry partners to explore similar collaborations with Philtronics. Together, we can invest in local talent, dispel myths about engineering careers and inspire young people to achieve more than they ever imagined. Our collective efforts will help shape a brighter future for STEM in Wales, ensuring a skilled and vibrant workforce for years to come.

Join us in our mission to inspire and prepare the next generation of engineers. Let's create opportunities, build meaningful partnerships and support the future of Welsh engineering together.

Supporting Velindre in Beating Cancer through Charity Bike Rides

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 09:44:08 GMT

A few months ago, we shared the exciting news that Philtronics would be taking part in a series of charity bike rides in support of Velindre Cancer Centre. These events would act as a fantastic opportunity for us to support a cause close to our hearts.

Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge

Now we see ourselves a few weeks out from the first charity bike ride, Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge. In its fourth year, Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies led his annual 50-mile bike ride from Cardiff to Swansea to raise funds for Velindre. Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge is an amazing initiative which saw 338 cyclists come together to raise money to help beat cancer; representing team Philtronics was our very own CEO, Simon, as well as Steve, Jeremy, Reece and Antony. They all trained and worked incredibly hard for the fundraiser, so a big congratualtions is certainly in order!

Through the generosity, kindness and dedication of all those who took part in the challenge and those who cheered from the sidelines, Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge was able to raise £40,000, this means Jiffy’s challenge has helped raise £250,000 for Velindre over the last four years!

As a Gold Sponsor of this year’s ride, we were determined to get as many people involved as possible to raise funds, whether that was through donations or joining us on our Philtronics team. Our incredible staff members even held a Velindre bake sale at Philtronics HQ, which raised a fantastic £322.45! We’re so grateful to everyone who donated, took part, or rooted for us on the day. Thank you to you all. It goes to show, a little goes a long way.

“Thank you to everyone who came and supported me and the team last month at Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge. It was an honour raising money for such a great cause while being surrounded by inspirational people. Well done everyone who took part.” – Simon Pritchard, CEO

Velindre’s Key West 2024 Ride

But there's no rest for Simon and Steven, with Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge over, Simon and Steve are now gearing up for their next adventure which will take them across the pond to sunny Florida.

This next ride will be supporting Velindre’s Key West 2024 Ride, where the Philtronics riding team will be joining the legendary Sean Holley who will be taking over from Jiffy after a knee injury. Don’t be too jealous, though—the journey spans across 400 miles! This event promises to be both challenging and rewarding, taking the team through picturesque landscapes and warm climates, far from the rainy UK from 2nd – 8th November. Simon and Steve are excited and understandably anxious to complete this challenge. We’re passionate about the work of Velindre. We hope our contributions will help them in a small way so they can keep carrying out the fantastic research and treatment they provide to their patients.

So far, we’ve managed to raise £927.45 for Velindre, so anything you can donate, no matter how big or small, will be greatly appreciated by the Philtronics cycling team and Velindre. Your generosity will directly contribute to the vital services and support that Velindre provides to those affected by cancer in our communities. You can donate to the Key West charity bike ride here .

Keep up to date with our next ride by following us on LinkedIn and X .

Staff Spotlight: Calum Chislett-Williams

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:50:59 GMT

Meet Calum, an Engineering Manager who joined Philtronics in May 2024. With a rich background in continuous improvement, data analysis, and fault-finding, Calum has quickly become a vital part of our team, embodying our core value of going the extra mile for our customers.

We sat down with Calum to learn more about his journey to Philtronics, his role, and the experiences that shaped him into the skilled professional he is today.

Calum's journey to Philtronics

A day in the life at Philtronics

As an Engineering Manager, Calum works closely with the test department to manage production throughput and repairs. A typical day involves prioritising units for testing, ensuring new parts are available, managing customer requests, and diving into fault-finding and repairs—something he particularly enjoys. “Decision-making is a big part of my role,” he explains. “I decide which units take priority to meet customer orders, ensuring we deliver high-quality service on time.” It’s a challenging position, but Calum finds it deeply rewarding when everything aligns perfectly.

His experience shines through in this role. At Sony UK, he optimised high-volume testing lines, and at Welsh Hills Bakery, he tackled OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) improvements—skills he now applies at Philtronics to keep operations running smoothly.

What sets Philtronics apart?

“Philtronics is a great company to work for,” Calum says. “From day one, I felt welcomed by a close-knit team with decades of experience.” He appreciates the company’s commitment to both customer satisfaction and employee growth. A recent management training course has been particularly valuable, enhancing his leadership skills. “They encourage us to pursue training for personal and professional development, which makes a real difference,” he adds. Beyond the workplace, Calum recently represented Philtronics at an apprenticeship careers fair at Coleg Y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw site, inspiring future engineers. He also supervises the engineering apprentices’ progress alongside our training partners, showcasing Philtronics’ dedication to nurturing talent in the community and building the next generation of skilled professionals.

Skills and interests

Earlier in his career, Calum spent seven years in education roles, supported by a foundation degree, honing his adaptability and diligence—traits that continue to serve him well. Calum brings a broad skill set to Philtronics, including strong IT proficiency across multiple operating systems, a knack for working independently or leading teams, and a proven ability to manage projects with minimal oversight. Outside of work, he’s passionate about repairing and building audio and musical equipment—a hobby that complements his technical expertise. He’s also a keen fundraiser, a passion that aligns seamlessly with Philtronics’ values of doing all we can for others, whether through supporting customers or giving back to the community.

Advice for aspiring engineers

“Take chances!” Calum advises. “Don’t hesitate to apply for roles, courses, or training opportunities you’re excited about. You never know where it might lead.”

Calum’s story is just one example of the talent driving Philtronics forward. Curious about the rest of our fantastic staff? Check out more Staff Spotlights on our News Page !

Made in Wales Roundtable 2024

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:27:50 GMT

Manufacturing business leaders and advisers got together to talk about innovation, skills, investment and the prospects for industry in Wales.

Tue 23 Apr 2024
Callaghan Square, Cardiff

ANDY MALLOWS

Joint managing director, Mallows Bottling

NEIL BARRON

Chief executive, Litelok

PROFESSOR ROSSI SETCHI

Director of Research Centre in AI, Robotics and Human-Machine Systems, Cardiff University

PHILLIPE DE WILDE

Chief executive, Roperhurst

SIMON PRITCHARD

Chief executive, Philtronics

JANIS RICHARDS

Membership director, Make UK

CRAIG GRANT

senior relationship director, HSBC

RACHEL DOYLE

Partner, MHA

RICHARD JONES

Partner, Blake Morgan

RICHARD DAVIES

Regional director, Hunter Selection

* Article from Insider Media: https://www.insidermedia.com/roundtables/made-in-wales-roundtable-2024

Staff Spotlight: Kayleigh Williams

Fri, 03 May 2024 10:10:02 GMT

Meet Kayleigh Williams, Inspector and IPC Trainer here at Philtronics. Kayleigh has been an important asset to Philtronics during her time here. Having started as Production Operator in 2010 and progressed to Team Leader, then Inspector, Kayleigh has been integral to the growth and development of the Philtronics team.

We recently sat down with Kayleigh to learn more about her Philtronics journey, what she’s enjoyed about her time here so far, and how the different development opportunities have shaped her role.

Q. Tell us about your role at Philtronics.

A. My role involves training not only new starters but also training experienced Philtronics employees. I recently passed my IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified Trainer exam, so I can provide training on ensuring and certifying the quality and reliability of box build assemblies.

Q. How has the new Philtronics Academy benefitted your role and the team?

A. I’ve seen a huge benefit from having the training Academy. It’s an amazing space which is used by the whole team, not just me. The Academy is adaptable for all types of training, which has been reinforced by the kind words of my trainer, Rob, who called the Academy ‘the perfect training space’.

We do training on all kinds of subjects at the Academy, but my area of expertise covers soldering, measuring cable assemblies & wires, crimp and soldered terminations, insulation, marking, labelling and securing finished assembly installation, as well as harness electrical shielding and testing.

Q. What sets Philtronics apart from the rest?

A. I had heard of Philtronics before I started working here as it's so well known locally, but it wasn't until I applied for a role here and found out more about the company that I realised Philtronics and I would be the perfect fit and that it would be a brilliant company for me to work at.

There are lots of different reasons that makes Philtronics an amazing company to work for, but the first one that comes to mind for me is definitely the people; there's a great sense of teamwork amongst the team which truly makes the company great. The management team have also really helped me to grow professionally here and really look to create jobs that last for life. I've been provided with so many different opportunities and to go on different courses; I've been incredibly supported throughout my career here and it's been great to be given the opportunity to show exactly what I can do.

If you've enjoyed reading about Kayleigh's journey with Philtronics, have a look at more of our Staff Spotlights on our News Page .

Philtronics Digitalisation Project

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:47:01 GMT

The digital landscape looks very different to how it did 20 years ago when Philtronics was first established. Technology is constantly evolving, which means our everyday lives are changing too, especially within the workplace. As an electronic manufacturer, we know first-hand the importance of creating new technology. Equally, we know that utilising new technologies is essential for several reasons, such as security, data management, collaboration and much more. Within this case study, we will present the ways in which we have leveraged digital technologies to transform traditional processes, systems, and services into their digital counterparts.

Background

Our digitalisation project began following a comprehensive systems and process review, which was carried out in early 2023 by our Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Simon Street. Simon was able to identify areas within Philtronics’ systems and processes that could be improved and worked on with new technology and digital innovation. These digital technologies and tools were then incorporated into various functions to improve efficiency, productivity, and overall performance at Philtronics.

Digital Transformation

To ensure we got the most out of Simon’s research and findings, the project covered six different areas, with each area utilising unique technology and digital tools to achieve the best results.

These six areas included:

1. Integration of Digital Technologies

After Simon conducted his review, we knew integrating a variety of digital technologies would be a necessity for this project. This involved adopting and integrating various digital technologies such as cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and other digital tools into existing processes, as well as developing new digital solutions in some cases.

2. Data Management and Analytics

Data is vital in most industries, especially so in electronic manufacturing as data helps inform our planning and decision-making processes. Therefore, we ensured better management of our data by making use of analytics to derive insights and inform our decisions. This included collecting, processing, and analysing data to gain a better understanding of processes and trends.

3. Automation

The process of automation is a significant aspect of digitalisation as it involves the use of technology to better perform tasks or processes. We made sure to include this within the project as automations have many benefits, for example, increased efficiency, reduction in errors, and cost savings.

4. Improved Communication and Collaboration

We also focused on enhancing communication and collaboration within and outside the organisation. As part of our TRONICS values, teamwork is a crucial attribute for all team members to possess and utilise daily. So, it was important to optimise how everyone works together as a team, this included implementing collaboration tools, digital communication platforms, and project management systems.

5. Security and Compliance

As digital systems handle sensitive data, ensuring security and compliance with relevant policies and regulations was a vital aspect of the project. To ensure data security at all levels of the organisation, we applied secure digital measures to protect data and ensure privacy. As we work towards becoming a Cyber Essentials certified organisation, this aspect was particularly important to both the project and our certification.

6. Training and Change Management

Introducing new digital technologies requires employees to acquire new skills and adapt to changes in their work processes. Training and change management initiatives are vital to ensure a smooth transition and maximise the benefits of digitalisation. Philtronics will utilise the new Philtronics Academy to deliver training programmes to existing and new staff alongside the integrations and new technologies introduced.

While we continue to implement these areas of digital transformation, we began our journey with a simple yet impactful step; going paperless. For some businesses, going paperless is easily done, especially in our digital age, however, new digital technologies, processes, and training need to be put in place in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are the changes we have made so far to make Philtronics paperless:

1. Our Purchase Orders and Supplier Order Acknowledgements are no longer printed and are stored electronically.

2. We no longer keep paper copies of our supplier delivery notes, they are simply scanned and saved electronically.

3. Following the purchase of wider screens, our Accounts Payable invoices and statements are handled digitally, and we no longer print them out.

4. We have stopped printing our Sales invoices, instead we hold electronic copies.

5. In Payroll and HR, our employees’ payslips were changed to an electronic version early last year. We also changed our absence management system, whereby employees now log their leave requests online, which streamlines the process and saves paper.

In the next phase of going paperless, we plan to issue our Production staff with tablets to better visualise and control our technical drawings.

The outcomes of this digitalisation project have been exceedingly positive; team collaboration and communication has improved, our data is more secure than ever, processes are faster and therefore more efficient, and team members feel confident using the new digital integrations thanks to relevant training.

Philtronics x Bristol Braille

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:34:23 GMT

Until recently, electric braille was extremely limited, and text was often only available to readers in single line formats – the equivalent of reading an entire book on a small calculator screen. As well as being frustrating for blind readers, it was also extremely restrictive, leaving braille users unable to read music, mathematical equations, diagrams and more.

In this case study, we will walk through the manufacturing process Bristol Braille Technology went on with us here at Philtronics in order to combat this daily issue for braille users. Bristol Braille wanted to improve people’s access to the written word, therefore, they came to us with an idea – the world’s first affordable, multi-line refreshable braille device that allows users to read paragraph by paragraph and not line by line.

Background

Being the first of its kind, Bristol Braille needed a manufacturing organisation that was flexible, patient and highly experienced to bring their product to life. Therefore, the company approached us with the goal of developing the world’s first affordable, multi-line, refreshable Braille device. Consisting of nine lines, not one, and 360 cells, not 40, the product needed to be user-friendly yet compact and with enough space to house the complicated technology and mechanisms.

Braille Bristol approached us with their concept and design with the trust that we could create their ideal product. With it being critical to the client that the product was made in the UK, being able to visit our premises in Aberdare, Wales to work alongside our delivery teams throughout the process was fundamental to the success of the manufacturing of their product.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and Mechanical Assembly

We have two decades of experience in product development and manufacturing ; therefore, we were able to help Bristol Braille from the first prototype build all the way to the full production run over a two-year period. The first stage involved building the PCB, which was very straight forward for our skilled team. Once the PCB had undergone all relevant testing and approval, the next stage was to conduct the mechanism assembly; this step is typically labour-intensive, in the case of this product, it consisted of building rod lifts in the first instance. Our production line was adjusted to maximise the output from cell to line production and the final mechanical assembly involved integrating the PCB and rod lifts into the outer enclosure, which was followed by an intensive test procedure.

Here at Philtronics, we pride ourselves on being highly flexible and cost-effective. Bristol Braille saw huge cost savings during this two-year period from being able to visit the Philtronics warehouse and being able to make on-the-fly adjustments and work alongside the assembly team in person, month after month. We were able to further reduce costs which saw cells for the product averaging $7 instead of the typical market price of $70.

At the end of the process, Canute 360 was finalised and produced, ready to be shipped to braille users across the globe.

Bringing Pleasure Back to Reading

The outcome of this product has been exceptionally positive, its conception now means braille users have access to an electronic reading device that condenses an entire braille library into one single device, allowing users to read libraries of books by paragraphs rather than lines. Canute 360 has been distributed to customers on five different continents. However, with more than 20,000 braille readers in the UK, and hundreds of thousands around the world, demand for this product is high. When Bristol Braille chose us as their manufacturing partner, they were assured that we had the skills and resources to stay flexible and meet demanding timelines. We look forward to continuing this partnership with Bristol Braille and helping to improve people’s access to the written word.

Philtronics x Heatforce

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:20:47 GMT

In today's ever-evolving business landscape, embracing renewable energy sources, notably solar power, has become a pivotal strategy for businesses grappling with mounting energy costs and their corporate obligations to the environment.

Within this case study, we will showcase the transformative journey we are on here at Philtronics in order to harness the capabilities of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices and make a significant stride towards greener, more sustainable operations. This process was aided by Heatforce , who are industry leaders in the renewable energy sector, by providing their valuable insight and expertise on how businesses can easily commit to green energy solutions.

Background

Under our corporate sustainability vision and a strategic emphasis on curbing energy expenses with cost-efficient energy solutions, Heatforce conducted an extensive feasibility assessment on our transition to renewable energy sources. This comprehensive study encompassed an examination of multiple critical factors, which included:

The condition of the roof and its structural integrity.
The placement of the solar panels and orientation.
Energy consumption patterns.
The local climate conditions and the solar potential.
The project budget and potential return on investment.

This assessment led us to thoroughly explore the feasibility of a long-term investment in the installation of solar panels, underpinned by the following principal objectives:

Substantially reducing energy costs and diminishing reliance on the traditional grid.
Minimising the factory’s carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Demonstrating corporate responsibility and championing pioneering sustainability initiatives within their industry.
Capitalising on government incentives and rebates strategically tailored to foster the adoption of solar energy.

Following the conclusion of the feasibility study, it was determined that the most viable and financially advantageous quantity of solar panels for installation was 118.

Solar Panel Selection

The next step in the project was solar panel selection. This was a key factor for Philtronics as a business as we wanted to ensure we were getting the best value out of the solar panels. Therefore, we chose high-efficiency monocrystalline panes with a capacity of 400 watts each. These models were selected for their excellent durability, performance and compatibility with the available roof space.

The Installation Process

Once the solar panel model had been selected, Heatforce started the installation process which comprised a series of essential steps, each of which was executed with precision and care:

Roof assessment – skilled engineers undertook a rigorous inspection of the factory roof, meticulously scrutinising its structural integrity and ability to accommodate the load imposed by the additional weight of the solar panels and racking system. The significance of this step cannot be overstated, as it was instrumental in assuring the long-term stability and safety of the solar panel installation.
Design and permitting – comprehensive plans were prepared, and Heatforce obtained the requisite permits from local governing bodies.
Installation – a team of solar panel installers executed this with a wealth of experience. This involved securely attaching the racking system to the factory roof and then precisely installing all 118 solar panels. Concurrently, the installers intricately interconnected the wiring and essential electrical components to establish a seamless connection between the solar panels and the factory’s electrical system.
Testing and Commissioning – after the installation, an extensive phase of quality assurance and commissioning was set in motion. The system underwent a thorough assessment to verify its functionality and safety. This comprehensive testing process validated the solar energy system's correct functionality and upheld the highest safety standards, guaranteeing peace of mind and peak performance for Philtronics.

Environmental Impacts and Financial Benefits for Philtronics

The installation of these solar panels has had several beneficial environmental impacts. Firstly, it will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions here at Philtronics by generating clean electricity, therefore reducing our carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment. Secondly, it has given us energy independence as the factory is now less reliant on fossil fuels and the traditional grid, thus reducing the demand for non-renewable energy sources.

There will also be significant financial benefits in the long-term as we will see a decrease in expenses with a reduction in electricity bills. In addition, we have been able to reduce the project's overall cost by utilising government incentives, tax credits and rebates.

To conclude, the project has been an excellent success for us at Philtronics. Not only has the environmental impact of the factory been reduced in line with our corporate responsibility objectives, but it has also been coupled with significant financial benefits for them.

The implementation of this project demonstrates a compelling illustration of how businesses can seamlessly transition to renewable energy sources while effectively balancing corporate sustainability objectives with substantial economic gains. Philtronics is dedicated to creating a sustainable future, and Heatforce has helped us get closer to that goal.

Staff Spotlight: Jack Dempsey

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:24:02 GMT

Meet Jack Dempsey; Jack became a member of Philtronics' senior leadership team as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in July 2023. Despite being with the company briefly, Jack has already established himself as an essential part of the wider Philtronics team. His previous experience in the military has equipped him with a unique set of skills that have proven to be exceptionally valuable in the business's day-to-day operations. Additionally, formulating a strategic vision with the Board members has been an extraordinarily satisfying experience.

Let’s learn more about Jack, his role, his past military experience, and how this comes into play at Philtronics.

Q. What does your role involve? What does a typical day look like?

A. A typical day for me involves various activities, decision-making, and analysis of thoughts. As part of my role, I strive to understand the best ways to implement the company's strategies. This requires me to work collaboratively with the senior leadership team and other influential members involved in the business's day-to-day operations. Doing so gives me a balanced perspective, enabling me to bring Philtronics' strategies to life.

These values have always been within the DNA of the business, but having recently put the TRONICS name to it demonstrates to customers and staff members alike how Philtronics operates.

Find out more about Jack’s role at Philtronics:

Q. Was going from the military to manufacturing a giant leap?

A. I am lucky to have worked in logistics for my entire career. As a logistician, I manage procurement, supply chain management, and contracts while constantly engaging with people. When I moved from the military/commercial world to manufacturing, it was a significant leap in working within a different environment and a different team. Still, ultimately, it's the same thing - managing people, the product, and the narrative we convey to our staff and customers.

Building a successful team and business requires politeness, mutual support, and efficient operations.

Q. Would you say your military skills are transferable into this industry?

A. As previously mentioned, effective management involves empowering individuals to positively influence the company's internal dynamics for everyone's benefit. This approach enables them to assess various aspects of the business, identify their needs, and determine the best way to meet them. I continue to apply the military's leadership and values code, which includes courage, discipline, respect, integrity, loyalty, and selfless commitment. By following these values, you can continuously enhance your skills. It is valuable to use them as a measure of engagement and effort.

The fundamental values I follow are derived from my time in the British Army and can be applied in any industry, whether commercial or manufacturing. The trick is to implement each aspect and prioritise your personnel's well-being. If you have a high-quality product and can adapt to the needs of your employees while following these values, you will consistently achieve positive outcomes.

Q. Was it an easy transition from military to manufacturing? How did Philtronics make this process as smooth as possible?

A. I enjoyed transitioning from the military to manufacturing with the help of Philtronics. The company's CEO, Simon, and CFO, Anne, were looking for someone who could help shape and define their vision, so we sat down for a lengthy conversation before I officially joined the team. During the conversation, we discussed how I could be effective in the business and what value I could add from my experience.

The owners facilitated my onboarding very well, providing me with excellent insight into the business and being honest about what they wanted to improve and work on. It's been eight months since I started this position, and I have been learning at every juncture. I've been impressed every step of the way. When you become part of the decision-making process, you have a voice, ultimately leading to the company's productivity.

Simon, Anne and the wider team have welcomed me with open arms, and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings for the team and me.

Find out more about Jack’s military experience:

Q. What sets Philtronics apart from others in the industry?

A. Philtronics has a unique DNA formulated over the past 20 years. The company has grown from a small office environment to a multi-dimensional three-unit setup in a relatively short period. This significant growth is due to having the right mix of individuals who bring different and invaluable attributes to the business. These individuals have also grown with the company, learning new skills and diversifying. Some started as production operatives and are now managers. It's fantastic to see their growth pattern, even in my short time here. It's heartening to know that the company takes care of them, and they, in turn, show loyalty and engagement towards the company.

Q. Would you recommend others to apply for a role at Philtronics? Is it rewarding or challenging?

A. I highly recommend that people, especially those who have served in the military, apply for job opportunities at Philtronics. The job is fulfilling, especially regarding employee engagement, if you are open, honest, and approachable. The skills that one learns while in the military are transferable to many different sectors, mainly manufacturing, from equipment maintenance to ensuring the safety and well-being of others. As long as you remember to look out for one another and the business feels secure, they will rely on you for your support and expertise.

I suggest that you approach this opportunity with an open mind and heart. At first, you may feel like an outsider, but once you start, you will feel the warmth of the people within this industry. They are supportive and want to see you grow and learn. So, if you can contribute value while you develop your skills, you will do exceptionally well. Therefore, do not fear change and take a leap of faith. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone.

If you’ve enjoyed hearing about Jack’s journey with Philtronics, read more Staff Spotlights on our News Page .

Fully Funded Apprenticeships with Philtronics

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 10:40:08 GMT

Want to give your career a boost?

Apply for a fully funded apprenticeship here at Philtronics.

About Us

We’re Philtronics, an electronic manufacturer based in the beautiful Hirwaun, Aberdare. We are ambitious, with a vision to manufacture products to the highest quality in a safe and secure environment so our customers always receive exemplary goods. Our roots may be in Wales, but we work in global markets, which makes for a fast paced yet exciting working environment.

We have always ensured to encourage local talent and invest in Welsh communities. Our history span 20 years, and in that time, we have helped develop the skills and experience of several apprentices, leading to full-time employment with us.

What is an Apprenticeship?

A common misconception is that the next step after school is either college, university or full-time employment. However, some of these options might not suit a person’s learning style or lifestyle. This is where an apprenticeship may be the best option.

An apprenticeship is a paid job where an apprentice learns valuable skills and gains industry insight, becoming more aware of the world of work. Apprenticeship schemes create the perfect balance between hands-on experience and classroom learning with either a college, university or training provider. At the end of the apprenticeship, an apprentice will be recognised with a full qualification.

Types of Apprenticeships We Offer

To ensure as many students as possible can join Philtronics, we support several apprenticeship opportunities, including Network75 and Merthyr College’s Aspire programme.

It’s important to us that young people have equal opportunities to learn, both in and outside of the classroom, and be fairly rewarded for doing so. That’s why our apprentices are always fully funded while working with us.

For example:

Network75 students have both their tuition fees and bursary paid for
Aspire apprentices are paid age-related minimum wage when they start with us from their 2 ^nd year in college

Our Apprentices & Career Progression

We have supported a number of apprentices over the past several years; let’s meet some of them now:

How to Apply for a Philtronics Apprenticeship

Whether a student is undecided about university, college, or full-time employment, we support several apprenticeship schemes that will lead to a life-long career here at Philtronics.

To find out more about our apprenticeship options, please get in touch at jobs@philtronicsltd.co.uk , we’re happy to answer any questions students may have about our apprenticeships.

Students can also find out more information about our apprenticeships from:

A Careers Advisor – they can give students insight into whether their school, sixth form or college offers an apprenticeship scheme and how to apply.
School Website – this will have useful information such as which schemes are available and any criteria that students need to meet in order to apply.

To find out more about us, visit our About page .

Staff Spotlight: Stuart Keay

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 13:48:07 GMT

Meet Stuart Keay: Stuart joined the team in 2018 as a Production Operator after gaining a BTEC in Engineering. Six years on, Stuart’s quick thinking, eye for detail, and organisation skills saw him develop into a Production Supervisor and a vital member of the Philtronics team.

Let’s find out more about Stuart, his role, and how he became interested in the manufacturing sector.

Q. What kind of critical decisions do you have to make in your role?

A. My role naturally comes with the responsibility of making many decisions. However, these decisions aren’t just made by me; it’s essential that I also listen to my team and their insights to make the best decisions. For example, I’ll work with the team to decide on the correct operator for a task depending on whether the task needs to be completed quickly or methodically. This might seem like a small, menial task, but managing the team and their time effectively significantly impacts timelines.

Q. What is your favourite part of your role?

A. There are lots of aspects I really enjoy in my job. However, my favourite part of my job is getting my head down and getting stuck into problems. Finding the solutions to a tricky problem gives me a real sense of satisfaction and makes me proud, knowing that I am contributing to something worthwhile.

Q. How did you become interested in this field?

A. I became interested in the field while studying physics and engineering during my A Levels. When I applied for my role at Philtronics, these topics might come into play now and again. However, I soon realised that the PCB side of the business is very relatable to my studies. It has been great seeing real-world applications of subjects I enjoyed in school.

Q. Why did you apply for your role with Philtronics?

A. I applied for my role because it was the next natural step to advance my career skills. I needed to achieve this goal within a busy and fast-paced working environment to push myself and my abilities. I was also aware of Philtronics’ better-than-industry standards for product turnaround times, so I was excited to join an organisation with such an excellent reputation.

Q. What makes Philtronics an excellent company to work for?

A. A few things come to mind, but the one thing that stands out most is the opportunity to progress into higher roles and the company’s efforts to promote from within. When I joined in 2018, and even now, Philtronics has been invested in supporting employees to grow and develop their careers, creating jobs for life. I also appreciate that the company is always looking to make a conscious effort to improve its working environment for all employees, and this is also greatly appreciated by the entire team.

Q. Would you recommend others to apply for this type of role? Is it rewarding or challenging?

A. Realistically, it depends on the individual and their background and experience. If you’re looking to test yourself in an environment with deadlines set by the customer, this role is ideal; as a company, Philtronics always aims for the quickest and highest quality turnaround times to meet our customers’ demands.

If you’ve enjoyed hearing about Stuart’s journey with Philtronics, read more of our Staff Spotlights and find out more about Stuart’s role, responsibilities, training opportunities and advice for others below:

Staff Spotlight: Lucas Evans

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:22:46 GMT

Meet Lucas Evans; Lucas initially joined Philtronics as an apprentice in June 2021 and is now a fully qualified Electrical Engineer. During his time at Philtronics, Lucas has solidified his position within the company and with the team due to his ability to learn quickly and solve problems efficiently.

Let's learn more about Lucas, his role, and how his apprenticeship helped him build a life-long career in the manufacturing sector.

Q. What does your role involve? What does a typical day look like?

A. As part of my role as an Electrical Engineer, there's a wide variety of different tasks that I could carry out on a day-to-day basis. For example, I could either be programming the surface mount technology (SMT) machines or even running them, or I could be inspecting any of the looms or the printed circuit boards (PCBs) that get built in-house, just to name a few responsibilities!

Q. What kind of important decisions do you have to make in your role?

A. As with any role, I often encounter challenges I need to find practical solutions for. In my time at Philtronics, I've learnt how to solve problems quickly; issues might arise when designing jobs or operating machinery. I must consider all the possible solutions and decide which course of action to take to achieve the best results for the client.

Q. How did you become interested in this field?

A. I became interested in electronics during my studies in school, and I decided to pursue a full-time career in the discipline. My motivation compelled me to develop the skills necessary for the field, and during the process, I enjoyed learning about all aspects of electrical engineering. This afforded me the opportunity to join the Philtronics team as an apprentice, and now, as a full-time employee, I continue to develop my skills and knowledge.

Q. What makes Philtronics a good company to work for?

A. The culture here at Philtronics is fantastic; it's a very enjoyable working environment, and the various team members are great to work alongside. I also like that I learn something new every day, which means no two days are the same as I complete different tasks and take on other challenges.

Q. How did Philtronics help you grow in your role?

A. When I started my apprenticeship in 2021, the team taught me all the essential elements of electrical engineering before I went into college, so I began my course with a solid understanding of electrical engineering, which really demonstrated my knowledge, and they also put me on tasks necessary for me to complete my coursework.

Q. What sets Philtronics apart from others in the industry?

A. As I mentioned, there's a good work ethic and sense of teamwork at Philtronics, and this positive environment helps get everyone's daily tasks done quicker and to an excellent standard. And like I said, everything is done in-house from start to finish, so any problems we encounter, we can rectify them quickly. Not every company in the sector can do this to our standards and timelines.

Q. Any advice for those looking to move into a similar role or career path?

A. Make sure you're willing to learn new skills and be aware that every day will be different. You will encounter new challenges, but as long as you know how to work in a team, it's easy to meet them head-on, especially at Philtronics.

If you've enjoyed hearing about Lucas' journey with Philtronics, read more of our Staff Spotlights.

Staff Spotlight: Will Lewis

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:44:02 GMT

Meet Will Lewis; Will joined Philtronics in 2021 as part of the Network75 programme with the University of South Wales. Now halfway through the five-year course, Will splits his time between two days at university and three days here at Philtronics, and once completed, he will have a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Let's learn more about Will, his role at Philtronics, and his experience with Network75.

Q. Can you tell us what Network75 is?

A. Essentially, it's an apprenticeship scheme, but you get a fully accredited degree at the end of the course. Many apprenticeships will do Higher National Diploma (HND) and Higher National Certificate (HNC), but then you've got to do another few years to get the full degree. With Network75, you get a full qualification in your chosen field after the entire five-year course.

Q. What does your role involve? What does a typical day look like?

A. For me, a typical day would usually involve running through any repairs or returns that we get from our customers. That might include fault finding, testing the equipment, and conducting a fault analysis of what went wrong and where I can then find the best solution to resolve the issue. This is the best part of my role, as I enjoy practical work and fault-finding. I find it satisfying when you’ve been given a return, and you need to work through the problem and figure out the fault, and once you do, it’s very rewarding.

Q. What kind of important decisions do you have to make in your role?

A. The main decision-making process I go through on a day-to-day basis is about returns and then figuring out what parts need replacing on a product. This is an essential process as I need to make sure the product meets the high standards the customer expects from Philtronics. I also work on surface mount technology (SMT) machines, where I must decide on setup procedures and processes.

Q. Why did you apply for a role with Philtronics?

A. When you join the Network75 programme, you're given a list of approved organisations that meet the standards for housing apprenticeships. Philtronics was one of those companies, and I knew a couple of Network75 apprentices were working at Philtronics, so I saw they had a good working relationship.

Q. What makes Philtronics a good company to work for?

A. The atmosphere and the work are definitely right up my street as far as the electronic side, such as getting to work on circuit boards and bigger units. As I'm given more responsibility, I'm especially looking forward to working with more customers who need SMT work and larger builds and assemblies.

Q. How have Philtronics helped you with your training?

A. The team has been great at providing me with everything I need to know to progress and develop my skills. I'm grateful to Philtronics; I could have gone to a company and been met with the attitude: "Don't bother giving the apprentice anything important to do." When I first joined at 18, I obviously didn't know an awful lot about electronics, but Philtronics has helped walk me through every necessary step to eventually qualify at the end of my course.

Q. Any advice for those looking to move into a similar role or career path?

A. The main piece of advice I would give someone is you need to be open to learning new things. When I first started, I didn't know much about electronic manufacturing, but working alongside the Philtronics team has helped develop my knowledge. You'll never be completely done learning within this industry as there are always new machines, processes and products, so there is always room to expand your knowledge and develop. The jump I've made in the last two and a half years is massive. It can be challenging at first, being both young and new to the industry world, but my advice would be don't be scared of learning and trying new things; it's great fun!

If you've enjoyed hearing about Will's journey with Philtronics and Network75, read more Staff Spotlights and find out more about Will's role, responsibilities and advice for other young people below:

Staff Spotlight: Dan Ponting

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:22:41 GMT

Meet Dan Ponting; Dan joined the Philtronics team in July 2021 as the Quality and New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager. Since becoming part of the team, Dan has quickly established himself as an integral member, ensuring that all products meet the company's high standards. With his technical expertise from his military background, he ensures that every product meets the required quality standards.

Let’s find out more about Dan, his role, and how his military background helps him in the manufacturing sector.

Q. What important decisions do you have to make in your role?

A. At Philtronics, we have high standards for our products. Therefore, all products leaving the company must meet our customers' professional expectations.

As part of my job, I ensure that all products meet stringent specifications. We inspect each product thoroughly, fixing any minor issues right away. Our goal is to achieve perfection in every aspect. We only ship a product after it has passed our rigorous testing. This also applies to goods received from our suppliers - if they don't meet our standards, we quarantine them and investigate the issue. Once we establish the facts, I send a report to the supplier outlining the problem. We then work together to prevent the issue from occurring again.

Q. What is your favourite part of your role?

A. I have always enjoyed resolving faults as a technician in the Royal Air Force, especially when working on Quality. It's satisfying to perform a root cause analysis and investigate the issue when a defect is found. Once the cause is identified, I can work on implementing preventative measures to stop the problem from reoccurring. It is this element that motivates and intrigues me.

Find out more about Dan’s role and responsibilities:

Q. Would you say your military skills are transferable into this industry?

A. During my time in the Royal Air Force, I was stationed at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where we managed several remote sites. At any given moment, I could receive a call from one of my colleagues stationed at a different site, asking me to come and fix a transmitter that had stopped working. My current role at Philtronics is similar to my previous job, as I often have to think on my feet and come up with quick solutions to unexpected problems. For instance, there have been times when I've been working at my desk on a Wednesday, and then suddenly, I've been asked to complete a task before Thursday. It may seem like a lot of pressure, but my military training has taught me how to handle such situations effectively.

Find out more about Dan’s military experience:

Q. What makes Philtronics an excellent company to work for?

A. There are numerous benefits, which include opportunities for personal development training courses and team building days. Additionally, the staff are welcoming to new members.

A critical aspect of our business is the focus on continuous growth and improvement. We are constantly exploring new methods to enhance and make our processes more efficient. What sets Philtronics apart from other similar companies is our unique selling point. We provide a more flexible timescale for our customers, allowing them to receive their products sooner, unlike other businesses that work on a 20-40 week lead time.

Q. Any advice for those seeking a similar role or career path?

A. As someone from a technical military background, I am naturally inclined to understand how things work. This has given me the skills to identify and fix faults. However, anyone interested in Quality can take a route into this industry. One helpful step is to become certified in ISO.9001, which is essential for small to medium-sized enterprise businesses. You could also take quality management systems, auditing, or manufacturing courses. These courses are available online or in person in Cardiff or Bridgend. Therefore, there are numerous paths to enter a similar role to mine, even if you have yet to gain a technical background.

If you’ve enjoyed hearing about Dan’s journey with Philtronics, read more Staff Spotlights on our News page.

Welsh manufacturer donates £5K to Action for Children’s Crisis Fund for children in need this Christmas

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:44:21 GMT

Aberdare-based electronic manufacturing firm, Philtronics Ltd., have donated £5,000 to Action for Children’s Crisis Fund to help combat child homeless and poverty this Christmas in South Wales.

Recent events such as the global pandemic and cost of living crisis have kept child poverty at a constant high across the UK. Families are in a constant struggle to buy food and other essentials for their children due to rising costs. During winter 2021/22, 1.6 million children did not have their basic needs met , such as having access to cooked meals, suitable winter clothes and a warm home. This can be an isolating and painful experience for parents and children alike and can have negative impacts on both their physical and mental health.

The Best of 2023

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:26:23 GMT

New paragraph

As we reflect on a busy and enjoyable year, the Philtronics team is getting ready to spend quality time with their loved ones over the festive season. Before we go, we wanted to take a moment to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This year has been fantastic, including celebrating two decades of Philtronics! Whilst we reflect on the success of the past 20 years, we're also looking to the future. In 2023, we've continued developing our site's infrastructure, implemented a comprehensive digitalisation program and are preparing to launch the Philtronics Academy.

Infrastructure Development

After installing our 175m2 Class 7 cleanroom, which helped us evolve into advanced manufacturing, Philtronics HQ has further developed its infrastructure this year. We've installed 118 solar panels with an estimated annual generation of 40 MWh. These solar panels will offset 8.82 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to planting 405 trees. We've also significantly improved ergonomics and maximised our 24,500 sq ft facilities throughout the year. As we're committed to operating in an environmentally friendly way, we've also introduced electric vehicles and installed EV chargers on-site, helping us in our mission to continuously strive to improve our carbon footprint through restorative actions.

We've significantly improved ergonomics and maximised our 24,500 sq ft facilities throughout the year.

View more facilities here.

The Team

Earlier this year, our Executive Team was reinforced by the appointment of Simon Street as CTO. In July, Jack Dempsey, our COO, joined the team too; collectively, they bring a wealth of experience, drive, and enthusiasm.

Throughout November and December, our staff had the opportunity to participate in Team Building Days organised by the company. It was a chance for everyone to leave the office for a day and reflect on their communication and teamwork skills through various challenges. It was also an excellent opportunity to discuss our core values based on Team, Respect, Optimism, Nature, Innovation, Creativity, and Safety (TRONICS).

Digitalisation

2023 saw the start of our Digitalisation project. This involved a holistic review of our systems and procedures and has resulted in us migrating our business-critical information systems to the cloud, and improving processes, workflows and Business Intelligence reporting. The initiative commenced with a comprehensive analysis of existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and determining optimal cloud solutions. The implementation of cloud-based collaboration tools facilitated real-time communication and streamlined workflows. Security considerations were paramount throughout the project, with robust measures implemented to safeguard sensitive information.

The Philtronics Academy

So, what does 2024 hold for Philtronics? In the upcoming year, we're launching Philtronics Academy, a resource centre tailored to different abilities, ensuring inclusivity for all staff. To enable our employees to up-skill and achieve their goals, we're investing heavily in providing unrestricted access to educational resources through Philtronics' infrastructure. We plan to offer our staff various opportunities to collaborate, share best practices, and engage inclusively. These opportunities will include workshops, peer mentoring, and soon-to-be-launched online platforms, which will be launched in the first quarter of 2024. The launch will be shared through our social media channels, so please follow our LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date.

A note from Simon Pritchard, CEO

Philtronics appoints Jack Dempsey as Chief Operating Officer

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:39:17 GMT

We warmly welcome the arrival of Jack Dempsey to Philtronics Ltd as our newly appointed Chief Operating Officer.

Jack brings extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and supply chain management from his former careers in the military and industry, with twenty-plus years of executive experience in resources, budgets and, importantly, people management. As a previous Operations Director, he has developed the acumen to recognise and streamline operations and associated activities to benefit the business. His far-reaching military career spanned three decades, with operational deployments worldwide; each country visited provided a wealth of knowledge regarding cultures, traditions, and ethnic diversity during complex situations. His career culminated as a senior officer at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe as a Strategic Planner.

Jack is an exceptional communicator with vital planning and organisational skills who realises the importance of streamlining efficiencies through effective cost planning on time and within budget. We plan to incorporate his leadership and corporate strategy talents into our diverse portfolio of activities, collectively enhancing the company's status by strengthening established relationships and acquiring new business within our customer base.

Jack’s addition to our comprehensive workforce of skilled and passionate employees will further complement ‘team Philtronics’ as we enhance excellence. We wish Jack every success as he integrates his skills into the established professionalism of the Contract Electronics Manufacturing industry. Welcome on-board.

Best Collaboration Initiative & Winners of the Supporter Achievement Award

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:31:06 GMT

This month, we have had the absolute pleasure of attending both the Welsh Sports Association Sports Industry Awards ceremony as well as the Action for Children Stephenson Awards 2023.

We often talk about our fundraising initiatives as we are very keen to raise awareness of the amazing charity work we support.

The WSA Awards ceremony held in Cardiff on 8 ^th June was the opportunity to recognise the role sport plays across society and it was a tribute to those who have made tremendous contribution to sport or to the community via sport. For us, it was a chance to come together with the Ospreys in the Community & Action for Children, to celebrate the best in sport & leisure and to share best practice as we were shortlisted for Best Collaboration Initiative.

This collaboration started back in 2019 when our CEO Simon Pritchard put forward the idea that as Ospreys commercial partner, Philtronics was keen to bring together all 3 parties to support Health & Wellbeing programmes across the region. Four years on and the results speak for themselves: we not only got shortlisted for the Best Collabotation Initiative, but we won it!

The honour was awarded to us for children’s mental health initiatives, Bouncing Back Plus and On Target! These programmes have been delivered to almost 40 primary and secondary schools in the Ospreys region with nearly 3,000 children benefitting from them.

On 19 ^th June, we also got invited to the Stephenson Awards as we were nominated for the Supporter Achievement Award alongside the Ospreys in the Community. This national event held at London’s De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms was organised to celebrate the shining stars in the Action for Children family. It was also the chance to hear stories from Action for Children staff, volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries, as well as connect with other staff members across the nations.

As you can see from the picture, it was an incredible honour to be presented with the Award by Angela Rippon!

Both awards are proof that great things can be achieved when passionate people work together for a very worthy cause. We would like to thank everyone for supporting our fundraising efforts including our staff, supplier base and wider business network since the beginning of our partnership.

Big shout out to all the Action for Children and Ospreys in the Community staff who deliver these amazing Health & Wellbeing programmes!

Are you looking for a strategic outsource partner?

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:53:07 GMT

We often get approached by potential customers looking for a single piece of their jigsaw puzzle, who then realise that we can offer full turnkey CEM and technology development services. When their new projects gain traction and develop into medium to large size batches, they are usually unable to fulfil their orders in a timely manner.

Over the past 19 years, we have helped new start-ups take off by forming strong outsource partnerships. Where they lack resources and specific expertise, we have been able to support them.

Our core expertise is undeniably box build manufacturing but what makes us a key partner when considering a new outsource electronic manufacturer is that we can undertake all aspects of Electronic Manufacturing Services under one roof, from component procurement and supply chain management to PCB manufacturing, cable, electro-mechanical assembly and full system build.

The same logic applies with larger established customers: when our expertise becomes apparent, our relationship often develops into full product integration.

Our 24,500 sq ft facilities include a 175m² ISO14644 Class 7 clean room which serves existing customers but also allows us to attract new business. All our electronics services and capability are based in one location, offering customers easier communication, faster decision-making and greater control.

Building a relationship with a new manufacturing partner can take time. If you would like to discuss a specific project or product line, please get in touch . A conversation with us might help you free up your time to focus on what you do best!

Philtronics appoints Simon Street as Chief Technology Officer

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 09:46:09 GMT

As we enter our 20 ^th year, we continue our journey of sustainable growth. 2022 saw us break all previous records and Quarter 1 2023 continues that trend.

It’s with great pleasure that we welcome Simon Street, our New CTO, to the team. Simon will take the lead on our Digitalisation project alongside our digital partners Nightingale HQ.

Our investment into this project will help us simplify operations, allowing for more efficient workflows and greater accessibility.

It will also add value to our environmental sustainability and improve security.

The project outcomes of higher productivity and lower operational costs will contribute to our growth strategy for 2023 and beyond.

Our CEO Simon Pritchard said “I have known and worked with Simon for the past 20 years, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. I am excited by what can be achieved with Simon and Nightingale driving through our digital project plan. The project will undoubtedly help keep us ahead of the pack in what is a thriving time for Contract Electronic Manufacturing in Wales”.

Simon Street said "It's hard to believe I've known Simon and Anne for over 20 years now. I'm extremely excited to be coming on board with the team at Philtronics, at a time of growth and digital transformation. We will make the most of Cloud technologies to ensure the business has the ability to scale up to its, and its customers' aspirations".

Ruth Kearney, CEO of Nightingale HQ, added "Philtronics have gone through unprecedented growth, and it was a pleasure to be able to support them on their digitalisation journey. They have a top-class team who understand the value and the opportunity that technology brings to their business in making them even more resilient and competitive. We worked with then on mapping core business processes, defining KPIs and delivered tech solutions to accelerate digitalisation. W e look forward to supporting the team on the next phase of their growth".

We have raised a whopping £8,336!

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:54:22 GMT

We have made a start on building towards our next £25,000 fundraising target through a great raffle and we would like to thank everyone who donated generous prizes and bought tickets from us. The prize list was fabulous, including a pair of tickets with full hospitality at the Wales v Ireland Guinness Six Nations game and a bunch of tech, such as top of the range large screen TVs, iPads, laptop, Apple Airpods, just to name a few.

We have had great fun organising this raffle and we are thrilled to have been able to raise a whopping £8,336!

What a pleasure to put smiles on the winners' faces too!

We have been supporting Action for Children for the past 5 years by raising funds towards their “ Bouncing Back ” Health & Wellbeing programme run in partnership with the Ospreys in the Community . With our regular support, the 2 charities help young people’s mental health and wellbeing through several engaging workshops.

The partnership has already seen over £30,000 raised and over 3,000 young people supported with increased self-esteem and mental health first aid.

Six weeks ago, we attended the launch of a new On-Target programme in a local secondary school to further enhance the support provided to pupils identified as being more at risk. These pupils have benefited from additional sessions over 6 weeks to help them build resilience and coping strategies. It's very hard to put into words the difference this programme makes to young people's lives.

Our next fundraising challenge will be a sleep out similar to the one we did back in 2019 organised in partnership with the Ospreys in the Community. It's called "Nestless Night" and will take place at the Swansea.com Stadium on February 17th.
Everyone is welcomed to join, as individuals or as a team, and each participant will be tasked to raise £150 in the lead up to the event.

For businesses, it's a great team building and networking event. The plan is to watch the Ospreys play Munster in a lounge, celebrate the fundraising efforts made by everyone taking part and hear from the Action for Children staff and ambassadors. We will then move outdoors to take on the challenge of sleeping outside. At 6am, bleary-eyed sleepers will be greeted with a bacon roll and hot drink to send them on their way, safe in the knowledge that they have helped make a difference.
If you would like to join us, please fill out the form on the Nestless Night page.

Alternatively, if you can't attend the sleep out event but still would like to help us reach our goal and make a donation, please click on this JustGiving page link and don't forget to add a little word of encouragement for our Philtronics Team!

Any donation, however small, will help us make a difference.

Many thanks for your support and have a lovely Christmas everyone!

Our New Fundraising Raffle Is Live!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:44:41 GMT

Our New Fundraising Raffle Is Live!

We have been absolutely thrilled by the generosity of our suppliers and business partners and the quality of prizes they have donated towards our new fundraising raffle for Action for Children!

It’s been 3 years since we organised the last one which helped us raise £7,500. The money has been used to deliver the Action for Children Bouncing Back Health & Wellbeing programme in the region, in partnership with the Ospreys in the Community.

Fundraising has been particularly difficult due to Covid but we have decided to re-energise our staff, suppliers and partners to carry on supporting this amazing cause.

Given the draw will take place just before Christmas, we reached out to our supplier base hoping to get a large number of good value prizes to generate as much interest as possible. We weren't disappointment when all of the above replied positively and the amazing prize list below is a real testament of their generosity:

1. 2 x Wales v Ireland 6 Nations tickets with full hospitality in the Riverside Terrace

2. LG LED UQ75 50" Smart TV

3. Toshiba UF3D 50” Smart TV

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 17.3” laptop

5. 43” Ultra HD Smart Android TV

6. 40” TV

7. iPad 9th Generation 10.2” WiFi + 4G 64GB Space Grey

8. iPad 9th Generation WiFi 256GB Space Grey

9. 2 x Ospreys Season tickets

10. Apple Air Pods

11. Virgin Wines case of 12 bottles

12. ViewSonic VA2261-2 22" LCD Monitor

13. ViewSonic VA2261-2 22" LCD Monitor

14. Lenovo Tab M10 10.1" HD Tablet

15. 4 Ball Golf Day at the Celtic Manor – Montgomerie Course

16. 4 Ball Golf Day at the Celtic Manor – Roman Road Course

17. 4 Ball Golf Day at St. Pierre Marriott Chepstow

18. 4 Ball Golf Day at St. Pierre Marriott Chepstow

19. M&S Vouchers

20. Sharp YC-MS02 microwave oven

21. Tranquility Pamper Box (choice of 3 treatments) at Magnolia Centre for Health & Wellbeing (Neath)

22. Penderyn Antiques Welsh Blanket

23. Christmas themed hamper

24. 2 x Wynne Evans Concert Tickets 25th March at Swansea Arena

25. Ospreys Rugby Jersey

26. Back2Front Physio 60-minute massage (Aberdare)

27. Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir Gift Box

28. Glee Club Cardiff Friday Night Comedy Voucher for 2

29. Penderyn Myth Single Malt Whisky

30. Penderyn Legend Single Malt Whisky

31. Front Row VIP Edition nail polish set

32. Vertigo Trampoline Park Bouncing vouchers x 3 (Merthyr Tydfil)

33. Small “a little taste of everything” Hamper

34. Valley Mill Wooden Wick Candles

35. Penylan Preserves Chutney gift boxes

Tickets are £2.00 each in books of 5 and our staff, local rugby club & Ospreys Supporters Club will be busy selling them over the next 7 weeks.

The draw will take place on 14 ^th December and we will have time to distribute the prizes just before Christmas!

It is a real team effort and we can't thank the above suppliers and business partners enough for their support.

Now, it's up to us to maximise the opportunity as we are aiming to raise a minimum of £10,000.

All the funds we raise will be used to carry on delivering the Action for Children Bouncing Back Health & Wellbeing programme as well as a more in-depth programme called On-Target to support the children who are more at risk, in partnership with the Ospreys in the Community.

Good luck Team, let's make this a real success story!

We are looking for a Test Manager

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 09:48:44 GMT

We are looking for a Test Manager with a strong background in Electronics and proven track record of managing a team and meeting targets.

This role requires flexibility and strong leadership skills.

PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION HAS NOW BEEN FILLED.

Aim of the job:

Effectively manage Test and Inspection requirements on behalf of Philtronics Ltd in line with Production, Quality and H&S processes and procedures.

Key tasks:

Drive weekly Customer output and coordinate with Production in order to facilitate Customer deliveries.
Provide 1st line support to Inspectors and Technicians in inspection, fault finding, diagnosis, and test where time constraints are critical.
Efficiently manage equipment use in order to reduce operational cost and downtime.
Develop inspection diagnostics and testing methods for production for use within the department and the production shop floor.
Manage calibration and maintenance schedules in accordance with Philtronics Ltd ISO requirements.
Produce jigs, tools and equipment for Test and Inspection and test and inspection infrastructure planning and maintenance.
Drive preventative and corrective actions carried out in order to mitigate the occurrence of Customer QFRs, improving quality and ensuring the inspection and test processes and Standard Operating Procedures are evident and available for use by the department.
Work with the senior team in order to implement and control timely NPI builds and new levels of testing into the business.
HR Management of Inspection and Test workforce in line with Philtronics Ltd policies and procedures.
Identify Test and Inspection workforce training needs.
Drive and continuously improve standards of workmanship and monitoring of quality control initiatives and pro-active management of 5S standards for cleanliness, ensuring compliance to Health & Safety standards.
Demonstrate personal leadership attributes and encourage Inspectors and Test Engineers professional behaviour.
Co-ordinate with other Departments in order to facilitate issue resolution and participate in cross functional team projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the business and support our growth.

To apply, please forward your CV to jobs@philtronicsltd.co.uk

Philtronics strike an innovative tech deal with Ospreys Rugby

Wed, 05 May 2021 11:00:02 GMT

We are proud to announce that we are the regional rugby franchise’s new Title Partner and front of jersey in a groundbreaking deal for the new season.

As part of the new Title Partnership, the Ospreys and Philtronics will form a ‘think tank” to drive innovation and to maximize the commercial opportunities of the new partnership.

The Ospreys and Philtronics will embark on developing new cutting-edge technology to expand and boost the analysis and entertainment value of rugby.

Both the Ospreys and Philtronics share an ‘Innovation and Made in Wales’ philosophy and are proud to and have made a real commitment to develop Welsh talent.

Simon Pritchard, the Philtronics owner and Managing Director, said:

“There is a very real alignment between Philtronics and the Ospreys, with our shared culture, ethics and philosophy. Both organisations have a proven track record of building and developing Welsh talent and showcasing it on the global stage.

“We both pride ourselves on being innovators in our particular fields and of representing our people, pushing the boundaries to make a difference in our communities.

“To have Philtronics on the front of the Ospreys jersey is a real privilege for myself on a personal level and we share a desire to develop into a wider market.

“This is a unique and bespoke partnership and to be able to explore what new technology can do for rugby is a genuinely exciting prospect for Philtronics.

“The opportunity to make a very real difference and to use cutting edge technology to enhance the player’s performance or to enhance the supporter’s enjoyment of the game brings a new dimension to this partnership.

“Our relationship with the Ospreys has always been much more than just rugby and we both endeavor to have a very real and significant impact on improving people’s lives in our communities.”

Like the Ospreys, Philtronics was founded in 2003 and have evolved and established themselves as industry leaders with a reputation for blue-sky thinking.

Philtronics first came on board with the Ospreys seven years ago as a hospitality partner and sponsor before becoming a Premium Partner and kit partner for the last three years.

Together they have forged a close and rewarding partnership that goes deeper than rugby, helping charitable causes and having a major impact in the community.

Philtronics has played a key role with Ospreys in the Community supporting their partnership with Action for Children and helping to develop Walking Rugby.

Nick Garcia, Ospreys Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted to agree an extended and elevated partnership with Philtronics as they become title partner of the Ospreys. The synergy between two Welsh brands with a global ambition and a desire to innovate has endless possibilities.

“Philtronics has a track record of breaking new ground in technology and the Ospreys have a reputation for innovation in rugby. As well as offering a unique marketing platform for Philtronics, this partnership will embody our shared ambition for innovation. The Ospreys and Philtronics will work together to explore new sports technology solutions, with the potential to drive competitive advantage on the pitch and enhanced supporter experience off it.

“As we embark on a new era for the Ospreys, we’re delighted to do it with a like-minded company in Philtronics.”

About Philtronics

Philtronics is a Contract Electronic Manufacturer (CEM) offering outsource manufacturing services to customers demanding fast turnaround with a high level of product reliability. The company has grown and developed its skills base to become a “one stop shop” for contract electronic assembly. We actively seek long-term partnerships with businesses with innovative ideas requiring product realisation. Our sister company, Philtronics Solutions, is a technology development company that provides electronic and firmware design services through to design for manufacture.

Together, we build Innovation. Made in Wales.

About Ospreys Rugby

The Ospreys are Wales’ most successful regional rugby union team and are based in Swansea and have won the Celtic League four times, beating teams from Wales, Ireland and Scotland to lift silverware. They have produced a steady stream of Welsh internationals and British and Irish Lions, including Alun Wyn Jones and Shane Williams, both household names in the sport of rugby union. The Ospreys were formed in 2003 and are widely regarded as one of the biggest brands in rugby union.

Some great feedback from Action for Children!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:36:28 GMT

Yesterday, Action for Children very kindly arranged a Teams call with our “30 Days Your Way” challenge team following our April fundraiser to provide us with some feedback. A lot of effort went into organizing the call as we were introduced to key staff and were given a presentation on their Bouncing Back Health & Wellbeing programme. We also got a chance to ask questions to pupils from Bryntirion Comprehensive School in Bridgend regarding the benefits of having taken part in the programme.

We were extremely pleased to have been able to raise £2,445 for Action for Children in April and the feedback we received yesterday was absolutely amazing. Debra Thomas, their Children’s Service Manager, told us that our funds would cover the cost of 30 programmes which is brilliant. Bouncing Back is an early intervention resilience building programme which provides group discussion, practical tools and coping skills to enable young people to manage their day-to-day emotional wellbeing and reduces the risk of more intense mental issues. At the end of each programme, each participant receives a Mental Health First Aid Kit, providing them with resources that support them to manage their mood and sustain improvements in their emotional wellbeing.

We found out more about the programme yesterday and some key facts stood out for us:

The programme has already been delivered to 743 pupils throughout South Wales.
A total of 14 schools have already engaged with Action for Children to deliver the programme, either on-site or digitally.
The programme is generally delivered to Year 7, 8 & 9 by the Action for Children facilitators as 2 one-hour sessions.
This early intervention programme helps AFC staff identify pupils who may need additional support such as Team Talk, a more intensive Health & Wellbeing course.
74% of pupils said their confidence had increased following the programme.
75% of pupils stated that they knew who and when to turn to someone for support.

Following our April fundraiser, Action for Children asked us to suggest a list of local schools who they could approach to offer the Bouncing Back programme to. After canvasing our staff, we provided a list and some useful contact details, and we are very pleased to see that a few local schools have already expressed an interest.

We are very grateful to the pupils of Bryntirion Comprehensive School for the feedback they supplied yesterday. It has allowed our team to find out more about the programme itself, how it has impacted the pupils and the benefits of being able to identify their trigger points and use the coping skills they have discussed during the programme. Of course, everyone is different but it’s clear to see from the figures that the programme is highly beneficial to a wide variety of pupils, whether they suffer from lack of confidence, anxiety or more personal issues.

Last week, we heard on the news that children wellbeing services were overwhelmed and waiting lists had increased substantially as a result of the pandemic. It also highlighted the fact that early intervention is critical to avoid more intense mental issues. As a team, having the chance to take part in the fundraiser, understanding the impact of the programme and knowing that the funds we have raised will help our local community is very rewarding.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who supported us and made donations. A big thank you to Caryl from Action for Children for organizing the feedback session for us and giving us the opportunity to get direct feedback from the pupils.

Our intention is to carry on organizing regular fundraisers to support the Bouncing Back programme in collaboration with the Ospreys in the Community as part of our Health & Wellbeing pillar. We are currently weighing up our options and trying to get even more staff involved.

Being able to give back to the community is a real mood booster and it’s clear to see that everyone involved in the challenge left the room with a spring in their step yesterday, such a win win outcome for everyone!

New SMT Technical Operator vacancy

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:32:47 GMT

We have a new SMT Technical Operator vacancy, please see details below.

Job description :

Running, maintenance and programming of SMT Machines.
Performing preventive maintenance activities on SMT Machines.
Generates and maintains documentation on equipment maintenance (check sheets, standard reports, part validations, etc.)
Performs continuous machine assessment activities and generates and executes corrective actions.
Repair and trouble shoot machines to ensure continues production.
Responsible for machine development and program optimization.
Generate report for all trouble encounters in the line especially on the machine.

If you have the relevant experience, please forward your CV to jobs@philtronicsltd.co.uk quoting the role.

Action for Children April fundraiser

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:35:57 GMT

The Action for Children “30 Days Your Way” challenge has been a fabulous opportunity for us to get active throughout April and raise crucial funds as a team.

The challenge: walk, run, cycle or swim your way to 30 miles this April for the 30% of children in poverty.

8 of us at Philtronics took part in the challenge and together we have reached a total of 645 miles and raised an outstanding £2,445 for Action for Children thanks to donations from family, friends, acquaintances, customers, suppliers and business partners. We would like to thank them all for their support, especially RNA, Ministry of Furniture, Phil & Nancy, Prosys Computing, AN Supplies, Turner Precision and Atamate for their particularly generous donations.

The funds we have raised with fellow Team Ospreys members will help support the existing “Bouncing Back” programme which is delivered to local secondary schools by Action for Children in partnership with the Ospreys in the Community. We have been heavily involved with this initiative from the onset following the first Swansea Byte Night event back in October 2019.

Bouncing Back is an early intervention resilience building programme which provides group discussion, practical tools and coping skills to enable young people to manage their day-to-day emotional wellbeing and reduces the risk of more intense mental issues.

At the end of each Bouncing Back programme, each participant receives a Mental Health First Aid Kit, providing them with resources that support them to manage their mood and sustain improvements in their emotional wellbeing.

This virtual event was a great opportunity to get out and about after months of lockdown and a nice little team building exercise:

• Collette, one of our Senior Production Operative, had already taken part in Byte Night with us previously so she was aware of the fundraising aspect of the challenge. She decided to walk back and forth to work whenever possible and go on longer walks with her family on the weekend.

• Rob, our Chief Technical Officer, is a regular runner so he was part of the team before he knew it. It would probably take him less than 4 hours to run 30 miles, easy for some!

• Jay, our Materials Controller, found it especially challenging to make time for running with the arrival of his baby boy on Easter Sunday.

• Chris, our SMT Operator, said his girlfriend was doing a similar walking challenge but needed to reach 100 miles in April so he was going to walk with her.

• Leon & his dad Byron who both work in our Stores department decided to do the challenge together, sometimes it’s easier to find the motivation when you have a walking buddy: “We wanted to start walking as we started to eat healthier and move more and the Action for Children campaign was a perfect reason to get started and motivated”.

• Simon, our MD, did a combination of cycling and walking, reaching a total of 300 miles by the end of the month.

• Anne, our Finance Director, made a point of going out for a walk every day throughout April and managed to lose a few pounds in the process: "Spending a lot of time outdoors after months of lockdown has been amazing and knowing that we have raised some serious money for Action for Children as a team is awesome”.

The GivePenny donation page is still open so if you would like to make a contribution, there is still time, please click on the following link: https://givepenny.com/simonpritchard_30_days_your_way_cycling

Action for Children has been our chosen charity for the past 3 years and we have organised regular fundraisers such as bake sale, gaming tournaments, sponsored Pen Y Fan climb, raffles, etc involving as many staff members as possible. Knowing that the funds we have raised go towards a programme like “Bouncing Back” and help make a difference in the local community is something very important to us. We hope that this virtual event will be a springboard for future events and that our Philtronics Squad will get bigger and better with time.

In the meantime, our “30 Days Your Way” team will get a chance to discuss the positive outcomes of their fundraising efforts in the next few weeks via a Team’s video call with the Action for Children facilitators, staff team and a few young people who have benefitted from the programme.

We look forward to speaking to them!

Are you looking for an apprenticeship?

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 12:32:20 GMT

We are looking to develop our next generation of employees by bringing in young recruits via an apprenticeship programme.

We currently offer 2 types of apprenticeships:

1. The Shared Apprenticeship Programme from Aspire Merthyr Tydfil has directly benefited apprentices as well as companies in the engineering and advanced manufacturing sector that have adopted its innovative approach. To plug skills gaps, the learners are training on-the-job and working in order to achieve units towards their apprenticeship.

Aspire is now working with both Coleg y Cymoedd, who link with Coleg Gwent, and Coleg Merthyr Tydfil to foster the next generation of skilled workers through apprenticeships covering amongst other areas Electrical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering.

Apprentices are employed by Aspire Merthyr Tydfil and placed with a host manufacturing company like Philtronics for the duration of the apprenticeship (2-3 years) following a selection process and interview.

We are looking for candidate with A Level in STEM subjects or equivalent able to work with us 4 days a week and have 1 day release in college.

2. The University of South Wales Network75 programme which has been running for 20 years is a combined work placement and part-time study route to a degree allowing students to Work, Earn and Learn! Students can g raduate with a degree, 5 years work experience and no student debt!

Network75 Trainees are able to apply their academic knowledge to real-life work within their host company gaining the necessary skills, experience and qualifications that are highly sought after by industry.

At Philtronics, we have learnt to hire on aptitude and personality rather than just a skillset. We are keen to fill the skills gap in our sector and bring on the next generation of technicians. We currently have 4 apprentices at various stages of their specific course who are doing very well. Our intention is to take on a few more every year to allow them to gain the skills we are looking for and make their own contribution to the team.

Working in electronic manufacturing is working in a place where people can create and build the products and technologies that are transforming the world! As a contract manufacturer, we are fortunate to be involved in various sectors such as semiconductor equipment, medical, automation, sports & wellbeing and consumer products.

If you feel you have the right profile, please forward your CV to jobs@philtronicsltd.co.uk and let us know which apprenticeship programme is of interest to you.

New PCBA & Box Build inspector vacancies

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:09:12 GMT

Do you want to be a part of a growth-driven and innovative team? We are looking to expand our Inspection teams by adding meticulous and motivated individuals into the role of PCBA and Box Build Inspectors on a temp to perm contract.

Job Description for PCB inspector :

Visual inspection of printed circuit boards to IPC A-610 standards utilising specialist inspection equipment (digital microscope, X-Ray machine etc).

Operating Automatic Optical Inspection equipment.

Ensuring wiring, soldering or mechanically assembled equipment is consistent with quality at all times and to relevant drawings.

Carry out rework and repair of PCB's with both SMT and Through Hole components to IPC 7711 standards if required.

Following build notes, standard operating procedures, bills of materials and detailed drawings.

Completing inspection workload to manufacture specifications and within time constraints.

Completing accurately the relevant production/inspection forms.

Job Description for Box Build inspector :

Visual inspection of box build and harness assemblies using customer drawings.

Following build notes, Standard Operating Procedures, Bills of Material & detailed drawings.

Ensuring wired, soldered or mechanically assembled equipment is consistent with quality at all times.

Completing Inspection workload to manufacture specifications and within time constraints.

Completing accurately relating inspection/production paperwork to a high standard.

Person Specification:

Previous experience with PCB inspection and/or Box Build or Harness assemblies.

Ability to follow build notes, Standard Operating Procedures, Bills of Material and detailed drawings.

Flexible approach to tasks within a fast-paced environment.

Ability to accurately complete relevant production paperwork.

Confidence to deal courteously and efficiently with a wide variety of people.

If you feel you have relevant experience, please forward your CV to jobs@philtronicsltd.co.uk

10 years’ service and a well-deserved promotion!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 10:02:42 GMT

Marie started with us as a Production Operative 10 years ago with no previous experience in Electronics, yet she showed aptitude and motivation.

She came in recommended by staff members which we always encourage. It’s great to find new recruits with previous industry knowledge and hands-on experience but with the right training and the ability to learn and follow instructions, it shows that successful candidates can grow at Philtronics.

Fast forward 10 years, Marie is one of our most experienced shop floor staff. She has built a great variety of products and shown leadership skills. Her pathway has taken her from Production Operative to Senior and Team Leader, giving her the opportunity to learn, train new staff, take part in continuous improvement and help manage sales throughput taking into account customer expectations and deadlines.

Following the opening of a new Production Supervisor role this month, she put herself forward and demonstrated that she has gained the right skills and experience along the way to step up and support our Production Manager in his day to day role as well as take on more responsibilities.

We currently have a number of vacancies available in Production and there is no doubt Marie is well-equipped to identify applicants with the right experience, ability and determination. Part of her role will include managing the training progress of the new recruits while ensuring consistent quality and sales output. With a growing customer and product portfolio, we are confident Marie will enjoy her new challenge.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Marie for her contribution over the past 10 years at Philtronics and wish her well in her new role.

Congratulations also to all the other staff members who have recently applied for internal roles and been successful. We would like to wish them all the best of luck in their new jobs, they are all examples of career progression and will help us nurture and develop the next generation of Philtronics employees.

New Project Coordinator vacancy

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 13:45:11 GMT

We have seen a rise in new enquiries over the past few months which is very exciting! We count ourselves lucky that we managed to stay open during the pandemic and carried on operations as normal, with a few Health & Safety measures added to the equation. It is great to see the variety of projects coming our way, from new technology development to reshoring opportunities, as well as new devices ready to hit the market!

We are now looking for a Project Coordinator to come and join the team to ensure efficient and on time completion of projects.

The successful candidate will need previous experience working within the manufacturing industry so they understand each stage of the process.

They will have previous experience of successful project coordination and have excellent organisation and time management skills.

Strong verbal & written communication skills are a must with the ability to adapt their personal approach to enable constructive and positive resolutions.

The ability to inspire in group and one-to-one situations is essential showing strong negotiating, influencing and persuasion skills.

Strong IT skills including Sage 200 / CRM and Microsoft packages are highly desirable.

Here's a brief Job Description:

Develop a project plan detailing clear objectives, timelines and budget
Act as point of contact and regularly communicate project status to all participants
Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation e.g. plans & reports
Liaise with relevant Managers / staff providing clear objectives on the assistance required from them / their departments ensuring the project is run efficiently
Organising and minuting any project team meetings required
Progress chasing on any incomplete tasks
Providing weekly updates to Senior Management on project progress
Conduct and provide post-project analysis highlighting success & failures to support with continuous improvement
Coordinate new leads including quotes, BOM, procurement and production planning.

If you feel you have the right skills and experience for this role, please forward your CV quoting the role to jobs@philtronicsltd.co.uk

WE ARE HIRING!

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 14:09:13 GMT

We are looking to expand our production team with ambitious and motivated people.

The area of growth is box build so if you have any previous experience in building looms, harnesses and wiring, please get in touch with us!

The successful candidates with need to be able to read technical drawings and follow build instructions so attention to detail is a key skill.

Please feel free to browse our website to find out more about us.

If you want to be part of a growth-driven and innovative team, please forward your CV to jobs@philtronicsltd.co.uk

Philtronics donates 10 iPads to local setting for remote learning

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:45:20 GMT

Philtronics is a Contract Electronic Manufacturer (CEM) based in Hirwaun near Aberdare, which provides outsource electronic manufacturing services. Over the past 17 years, we have been a key supplier of full turnkey product into the Global Semiconductor & Wafer Fabrication sector. The company has grown and developed its skills base to become a “one stop shop” for contract electronic assembly.

Simon Pritchard, owner of Philtronics Group, said “The past 12 months have been very challenging for everyone. As a parent, I am fully aware of the difficulties faced by teachers and parents in supporting children’s education. Philtronics Group core activities lie in the development and manufacture of smart technology. It is pleasing to be able to assist a local organisation with additional technology support for remote learning. Wales is quickly becoming a leader in innovation. It’s key that the next generation are given the right tools to take advantage of this and to see those opportunities being made available to everyone.”

Financial Director Anne Pritchard added: “As a business, we are already committed to supporting vulnerable children with regular fundraising events for Action for Children. Making sure the funds translate into actions in the local community is at the forefront of our minds. Ensuring children who are currently unable to go to school have the right resources to carry on learning remotely falls into the same category. We are indeed a technology company always looking to develop and build the next innovation and our staff make this happen. We work with the University of South Wales and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and use both their apprenticeship programs, namely the Network75 Degree Apprenticeship programme & the Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme. With a total of 4 apprentices currently studying a combination of Electronics & Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, we are committed to developing young technicians by providing hands-on experience and in doing so, helping us fill the skills gap. There is no doubt these young candidates need a solid knowledge base to carry on their journey in further education. Everyone should be able to get access to Google Classroom and other platforms used for remote learning during the lockdown and we hope this donation will help more local disadvantaged students complete their online learning objectives.”

A fabulous team effort for Action for Children!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:03:42 GMT

It was windy and cold but it was worth it!

Last Friday, a team of 15 Philtronics staff climbed Pen Y Fan for Action for Children, our chosen charity. This walk was originally scheduled in June but it had to be re-arranged due to lockdown restrictions. The team was a great mix of super-fit and not so fit people, apprentices, shop floor and office staff, managers and directors.

We raised an amazing £467 in a very short space of time and would like to thank everyone for their support!

Action for Children protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives.

Since lockdown, they have supported over 10,000 vulnerable children in need of urgent essentials. In the last few months, their frontline staff have been a vital lifeline for vulnerable families who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

Last year, Philtronics managed to raise a whopping £6,735 for them through a variety of fundraising events. COVID-19 has certainly thrown a spanner in the works as far as charity events are concerned but we know that the families supported by Action of Children will need us more than ever over the next few months. Our next company event will be the Tough Runner Swansea Epic 10K which has now been rescheduled to May 2021 and we will no doubt organise a raffle in the meantime. Any prize donations will be much appreciated.

Together, we can help end childhood crisis.

Multiline Braille e-reader from prototype build to finished product

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:58:26 GMT

New Product Development from prototype build to finished product

New Product Development can be time consuming but also very rewarding!

Over the next few months, we will share the journey we have been on with a few customers to illustrate how we can assist from early design concepts, rapid prototyping, design for manufacture and assembly, supply chain optimisation, product standardisation, design approval processes, build & test.

Client no.1 : Manufacturer of multi-line Braille e-readers

Product information :

Canute 360 is the world’s first affordable, multi-line refreshable Braille. It has nine lines not one, 360 cells not 40, and costs $7 per cell not $70.

With the Canute 360’s nine lines music notation, literature, tables, spreadsheets, charts, mathematical formulae and spacial diagrams are vastly more useful and pleasurable for the Braille reader.

Background : 2 years of product development leading to full production run

Our Mission : Support our client during the NPI process and deliver a successful product.

Given our expertise in PCB assembly, the first stage of the build was relatively straight forward.

The mechanical assembly was labour-intensive as it consisted in building rod lifts in the first instance.

Our production line was adjusted to maximise the output from cell to line production.

The final mechanical assembly consisting in integrating the PCB and rod lifts into the outer enclosure, which was followed by an intensive test procedure.

Customer feedback :

Canute has been a labour of love for everyone involved, taking many years to come to fruition.

Philtronics have been our manufacturing partner for a couple of years now and have helped shepherd it from prototype to a successful product.

Everyone we speak to assumes we get Canute made off-shore. No-one expects that something this affordable, complex, for blind people, is manufactured in the UK. But it was critical for us that it be made here.

The savings supposedly made by going off-shore are insignificant when set against the huge cost savings of being able to visit the Philtronics plant, make on-the-fly adjustments and work alongside the assembly team in person, month after month. It has proven essential for Canute's success.

Canute 360 has a totally original actuation method, all-custom designed hardware, including thousands of moving parts, and very tight per machine costs that makes batch manufacture a unique challenge.

Building such a complex machine has required a great deal of patience, experimentation and flexibility. Components, quality control and build processes have required constant adjustments, often last minute or during the build itself.

Therefore it was vital for our project that we had a manufacturing partner that could roll with these demanding and changing processes.

Philtronics were able to scale up from a handful of machines, to a batch of 30, to our first commercial batch of 90.

There are more than 20,000 Braille readers in the UK, hundreds of thousands around the world. Canute has now been distributed to customers on five different continents, improving peoples' access to the written word. We look forward to distributing hundreds more over the next twelve months.

To make that sort of impact on people's lives with an original, complex and demanding product, you need to be working with the right manufacturer.

Personal note :

When the Canute Braille e-reader project came about, it struck a chord with me having 2 blind family members affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic disorder that slowly decreases the peripheral vision of the patient leading to “tunnel vision” and blindness over time.

My uncle who is in his eighties lived his early adult life with my parents. When his sight declined in his thirties and working on the farm became dangerous, he moved to Paris where he landed a job with an organisation called “Association Valentin Haüy” created in 1917, which transferred books and articles into Braille to enable wounded soldiers who became blind during WW1 to read.

This charity now known as “Le Livre de l’Aveugle”, the Blind Person’s Book, evolved over time and focuses on school books.

Despite his visual impairment, my uncle has lived a happy life turning books and articles into Braille for other Braille readers. I still remember the stacks of bulky cream Braille books we kept at home, thinking how clever he was to be able to read these characters.

As time went by, audio books became popular and when my brother slowly turned blind in his late 20s, I thought he may turn to Braille but he struggled with it. It wasn’t for the lack of ability as he managed to re-train as a physiotherapist and now runs his own clinic. They say anything is possible when you put your mind to it and I am very proud of his achievement.

Being able to read is a privilege that a lot of us take for granted. Canute 360 is an amazing product able to condense an entire Braille library into one simple affordable reading device!

Being involved in getting this product to market has been extremely rewarding. Although we are just the manufacturer, we have turned a prototype into production volume and helped make a difference. For more information on our device manufacturing services, please click on this link .

Celebrating a few more Key Milestones this July!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 10:48:48 GMT

Celebrating our July 2010 recruits!

It's hard to believe that Rachel, Matthew and Kayleigh started at Philtronics 10 years ago this month. Time flies when you're having fun!

Their journey with the company has allowed them to gain expertise in their own area and become key assets to the business.

Rachel, Materials Manager

Rachel started with us in the Accounts Department and quickly showed some interest in Procurement. She moved to the Materials Department gaining valuable experience in both Stores and Purchasing. After a few years in the department, she was promoted to Buyer where she gained a vast amount of product knowledge and developed relationships with our supplier base, understanding their constraints and managing MOQs, lead times and call off orders where necessary. She became the "go to person" in the department.

Having gained invaluable experience, it made sense for Rachel to evolve into the role of NPI Buyer, working on new quotes, BOM integration and facilitating the new product introduction process by ensuring all components of the build were bought in right, at the right price and brought in at the right stage of the build.

With 10 years experience behind her, Rachel was recently promoted to Materials Manager.

Matthew, Production Manager

Matthew also started with us in July 2010 and initially worked in our Stores Department where he acquired product knowledge and also got an insight into the challenges the department was coming across daily.

He moved to Production focusing on looms and box build within a few months and showed that he was eager to progress.

Over the years, Matthew evolved from Production Operator to Production Supervisor. He was promoted to Production Manager in 2018 overseeing all aspects of Production from PCB assembly, looms, harnesses, panel wiring and box build. He also manages our Test Department, balancing throughput and customer deliveries and expectations on a daily basis.

Kayleigh, Test Department

Kayleigh was the 3rd person joining the team in July 2010 as Production Operator. She has covered all aspects of Production and gained great product knowledge along the way. Always with a smile on her face, she also showed some interest in training new members of staff and as a result, she was promoted to Senior Production Operator.

Kayleigh moved to our Test Department a few months ago where she keeps an eye on quality, provides feedback to our operators when she picks things up on inspection and is part of our continuous improvement project between Production & Test.

It has been a pleasure to work with these 3 over the past 10 years and to see them grow in their current roles.

Thank you very much for your contribution!

Are You Thinking About Reshoring?

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:11:40 GMT

Are You Thinking About Reshoring?

Offshoring has been a popular move over the years due to perceived lower costs. The reality of the pandemic has perfectly illustrated the risk v reward argument: t he greater the distance, the higher the risk. Some sectors have experienced substantial delays and disruption affecting their entire operations or no supply at all, while others have started to wonder why they ended up adding supply chain complexities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Why buy higher quantities, wait longer for them to be delivered, increase stock value, exposure and limit your flexibility in implementing design change?

Is a product really cheaper if you can't deliver it?

All manufacturers have had to re-assess their operations and supply chain to overcome the challenges and logistical nightmares of the past few months. When you weigh it all up, offshoring may not be as cost-effective as it once was.

I think we all agree that overall, we need to find ways to become more resilient, more flexible and the answer may well be to resource domestically to regain control over product availability.

Why reshore to us?

We have worked in the global semiconductor / wafer fabrication sector for over 15 years and we have developed our capabilities around our customers' needs. Our customer base recognises that their competitive edge is flexibility and speed to market.

By using us for supply, they can react in 6 weeks when their competitors take 12. They can bespoke design and introduce new product at a much quicker speed whilst maintaining quality and price.

There are 5 factors that make us successful: our staff, communication, quality, flexibility and value for money.

If you have experienced supply issues and would like to discuss a new outsource partnership, please contact us.

Thank You To The Ospreys For Our Face Masks

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 10:26:19 GMT

Thumbs Up to the Ospreys Rugby!

Today, we had the opportunity to show our staff the progress of our new clean room build while wearing our Ospreys Rugby face masks and respecting social distancing measures. We are not just Premium Partner of the Ospreys, a lot of our employees are supporters of the Club too.

Simon Pritchard, Owner of Philtronics Group, said “It’s pretty hard finding good news stories these days, but at yesterday’s Ospreys Business Club meeting, listening to new owner James Davies-Yandle, it was clear to see exciting times are ahead for the Ospreys. We are thrilled to come along for the journey. It’s an exciting time here at Philtronics too. Over the past 17 years, Philtronics has been a key supplier of full turnkey product into the Global Semiconductor / Wafer Fabrication sector. Our journey evolves further in 2020 with the introduction of manufacturing in our new class 7 clean room”.

This week, the ceiling structure has come together and we are expecting delivery of the flooring next week.

We look forward to completing the build later this month.

A Complete Electronic Manufacturing Solution from Concept to Delivery

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 16:50:02 GMT

A Complete Electronic Manufacturing Solution from Concept to Delivery

We have recently received a number of new enquiries from potential customers looking for full turn key CEM and technology development services.

Quite often, when these new projects gain traction and develop into medium to large size batches, the innovator / designer is unable to fulfil their orders in a timely manner. It's great taking orders but if you are unable to deliver, your success can be short-lived.

Over the years, we have helped new start-ups take off by forming strong outsource partnerships. Where they lack expertise and resource, we have been there to help. Our expertise include design for manufacture and assembly, supply chain optimisation, product standardisation, design approval processes, build, test and logistics. Having the confidence that we can deliver their product on time gives them peace of mind to focus on their next development.

The same logic applies with larger established customers: we often start with medium batch size PCB assembly work. When our expertise becomes apparent, our relationship develops into a full outsource project including cable harnessing, coil winding, electro-mechanical assembly and full product integration.

Our core expertise is box build manufacturing but what makes us a key partner is that we can undertake all aspects of Electronic Manufacturing Services under one roof.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to request a quote and free up your time to focus on what you do best!

Happy 10th work anniversary, Simon!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:34:35 GMT

Some of our employees are reaching big milestones this year, starting with our Test Team Leader Simon Evans!

Simon joined Philtronics in June 2010 when things started to get very busy for us. He first started as Production Operator gaining experience of panel wiring and a wealth of product knowledge before moving to the Test Department. At the time, we were based in a 3,000 sq ft unit.

Simon was part of the core team that came along on the journey with us, saw us move to our current building and carry on expanding over the years.

We would like to thank Simon for his contribution over the past 10 years and look forward to celebrating the next milestones with our long serving employees!

Very excited to have Guardtech Cleanrooms on site this week!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Tue, 19 May 2020 11:37:52 GMT

Exciting times ahead with the construction of our new 175m² Clean Room facility!

COVID-19 has affected a huge number of businesses since March. Fortunately for us, we have been able to carry on operations as normal observing social distancing and health & safety measures. Our growth plan for 2020 was already set in motion and we made the conscious decision to follow through with it.

Following our move to new premises in 2012, we have dedicated the past 8 years improving facilities and developing our capabilities through capital investment making us a true Contract Electronic Manufacturing one-stop-shop, from concept to delivery.

The purchase of 2 new PCBA Mirae robots in February allows us to manufacture PCB assemblies in 3 stages, increasing production volume. We also invested in a new 14-zone Heller reflow oven to increase our capabilities. This combined with our previous investment in an Automatic Screen Printer, Automatic Optical Inspection and X-ray machine means that our PCBs go through a very thorough production and quality process. We can also undertake device programming and testing using bespoke functional test equipment.

Our core expertise is undeniably box build manufacturing but what makes us a key partner when considering a new outsource electronic manufacturer is that we can undertake all aspects of Electronic Manufacturing Services under one roof, from PCB design, component procurement and supply chain management, PCB, cable, electro-mechanical assembly and full system build. Our customers demand fast turnaround with a high level of product reliability. Our reputation has helped us grow steadily over the past 16 years in the industry.

Our latest phase of expansion started last week, and we are extremely excited to add a 175m² ISO14644 Class 7 clean room facility to our premises, which is due to be commissioned by the end of June. This will serve our existing customers but will also allow us to attract new business.

The Coronavirus pandemic has made everyone rethink their activity and weigh up the risks of having off-shore suppliers when the world comes to a stand-still within a few weeks. Building a relationship with a new manufacturing partner can take time and we are starting to see more enquiries from businesses looking to assess our capabilities in view of reshoring. If like these businesses you would like to discuss a specific project or product line, please get in touch.

We are pleased to have passed our remote ISO 9001 audit!

anne.pritchard@philtronicsltd.co.uk (Anne Pritchard) — Tue, 19 May 2020 10:43:18 GMT

Our first ever remote ISO 9001 audit

Since the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak, we have all had to adjust our working methods to comply with health & safety regulations. This was no different for our ISO audit which took place last week: instead of having an auditor on-site for 2 days, we completed a remote audit by supplying all the required documentation. Thank you to all the team and to URS for allowing us to complete our audit on time. Our Quality Management System is certified for another year!

Cleanroom Ready for Installation

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:14:17 GMT

Designed and Ready to Go!

Last week we signed off on the design for our new 175m² ISO14644 Class 7 Cleanroom with Guardtech Cleanrooms , who are an industry leading provider of custom cleanrooms. They have been successfully designing, installing and commissioning bespoke cleanrooms since the year 2000 and we look forward to them beginning work on the installation. The cleanroom is due to be completed by the end of June.

This new investment means that we will be able to further improve our capabilities and the services we have on offer. We are determined to continuously expand the business and its facilities.

We look forward seeing our new facilities up and running soon!

Introducing our new Engineering Manager, Brian Kedward

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 10:54:31 GMT

At the beginning of the month we welcomed Brian to the Philtronics team, who has taken up the role of Engineering Manager.

We are excited to have Brian join us as he brings with him more than 20 years of managerial experience within the manufacturing sector. Along with 16 years of experience in the electronics industry, Brian has worked on managing projects in the aerospace sector as well as the automotive sector.

Qualifications and Skills

Brian began his career as an apprentice production technician and progressed up to a senior manager which was no doubt thanks to the knowledge that he gained from studying for a Masters Degree (MSc) in Management. Brian also has an IOSH qualification in Managing Safely along with ISO management experience. Brian had ISO9001:2000 Quality Management System experience in former roles and successfully implemented new processes and procedures conforming to the standard. He certainly adds great value to the business and will be fundamental in ensuring that we provide the best quality products and services to our customers. We therefore look forwards to seeing what new and innovative ideas that Brian will bring to Philtronics to improve even further upon our own processes.

Improving Processes

Here at Philtronics, we are dedicated towards expanding the business and enhancing our capabilities and that is why we hired an experienced manager like Brian who we know is motivated to contribute to our success. The wealth of knowledge and experience that Brian brings to the role means that we can implement new ideas to improve our day to day operations. Brian's prior experience in Lean Manufacturing processes also means that we have the opportunity to further maximise productivity and efficiency within the business.

We wish Brian the best of luck in his new role!

Investing in New Machines to Further Our Capabilities

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 14:55:34 GMT

New Mirae Machines Ready to Provide Innovation and Increased Production Volume

We are always focused on growth and improvement of services here at Philtronics. That is why we have decided to invest in these three new machines which will take our capabilities to another level and will hopefully enhance customer satisfaction even further.

Machine Details

Mirae 1010

Mirae 1010 is a dual gantry chip shooting machine, capable of placing components as small as 0201 (0.024” x 0.012”) and as large as 18.00mm.
The machine has 16 heads and can place up to 30,000 components per hour (CPH).
The machine has 90 feeder slots.

Mirae 1020P

Mirae 1020P is a single gantry machine with 6 module heads and 1 precision head.
It is also capable of placing components as small as 0201 (0.024” x 0.012”) and as large as 18.00mm.
The machine can place up to 16,500 components per hour (CPH).
It has 45 feeder slots and 20 waffle trays.

Both of the above machines will be used inline with the current Mirae 1020QP allowing us to manufacture PCB assemblies in three stages, increasing production volume and decreasing the time from paste to re-flow.

This will ensure improved quality on boards with small pads.

Heller 1707 EXL

This is a 14-zone (7 top, 7 bottom) re-flow oven.
It will work alongside our current smaller 5-zone oven.
The increased capabilities of the new Heller re-flow oven will give us full control over the temperature of every part on the board to ensure quality and specificity of products.

Advancing Technologies

This investment for Philtronics is also an investment in our customers. We are ensuring that we have the best machinery to provide the high quality electronic products that we pride ourselves upon having produced for the best part of 16 years. Our dedication towards expanding on and improving our capabilities comes from this core belief that customers deserve excellent service and the best quality products.

Skills Competition Wales Begins - A Key Opportunity For Our Apprentices to Expand Their Skills

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:47:50 GMT

"Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales"

Aspire Apprentices Take on New Challenge

Thanks to our continued partnership with the Aspire Merthyr Tydfil programme, Philtronics were given the opportunity to enter our apprentices, Corey and Reegan, in to Skills Competition Wales. This project promotes the development and support of its competitors, helping them to expand their knowledge of the industry they have chosen to work within. In the case of our apprentices, they were focused upon industrial electronics. They hoped to build on all they have learnt so far at Philtronics and also bring new skills gained from this competition back into the workplace.

What Did The Competition Consist Of?

The competition included the construction of an oscilloscope that ran via a laptop computer. Competitors then had to test this design and assess its functionality. There was also the challenge of Fault Finding on pre-faulted electronic boards. Participants were expected to be able to use equipment such as soldering irons and electronic hand tools - something that Corey and Reegan have had plenty of practise with during their time at Philtronics. Certain tasks were also expected to be completed under examination conditions which provided a further challenge as the apprentices had to rely solely on their own knowledge without any external assistance. This competition was a great way for the apprentices to put their skills to the test but overall was an enjoyable experience that they were able to learn a lot from!

"The competition was very intense and challenging but I was determined to work hard and wanted to do my best. It was a really fun day and I learned a lot from it!" - Reegan

"I had a really fun day and it was great to refresh my memory on all I had learned at college when studying electrical engineering. I got a lot from the competition!" - Corey

What's Next?

Our apprentices received Certificates of Participation on the day; however they won't get to find out their results until March as their work must be externally marked and quality assured. So they have a while to wait before finding out if they have won any awards! At Philtronics, we are proud of our hard-working apprentices for taking part in this challenging competition and are pleased to see that they enjoyed the day. We look forward to finding out how they have done in the competition when Medalists are invited to a Celebration Event at Sophia Hall at Sophia Gardens in March.

Well Done, Corey and Reegan, from all at Philtronics!

Philtronics Fundraising Efforts Continue - What's next?

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 09:45:43 GMT

Keeping up the good work!

Continuing our support of Action for Children

At Philtronics, we are dedicated to supporting our chosen charity, Action for Children. That is why we have decided that we want our fundraising efforts to continue all year round. Many of our staff have expressed their interest in helping us fund raise and so we have thought of a few ways of doing so...

Swansea Epic 10k 2020

Rob Bennett, our technical director, is a keen runner and has encouraged many of our staff to take part in a 10K run to support the fundraising efforts. Most of the team have very little experience with running and so this will be a great challenge for them and an opportunity to set personal goals for improvement. Rob has put together a couch to 5k training programme for the beginners to prepare them and everyone seems very enthusiastic to do their best and work hard as a team to complete the race. Well done to everyone taking part and good luck with your training!

Pen y Fan Walk

For those who are less keen on running, we wanted to put together another fundraiser that everyone could be included in. That's why we have decided to walk Pen Y Fan next June in support of raising money for Action for Children. This walk will involve staff of varying fitness levels and everyone can take the walk at their own pace, eventually meeting at the top to celebrate the achievement of climbing the highest peak in South Wales!

More Sweet Treats

Our bake sales were such a hit over the last few weeks that we have decided to make them a monthly event! It will be a treat for the staff for all their hard work and all proceeds will go to Action for Children. We have already had several members of staff offering to bring in their own baked goods so we look forward to seeing what delicious goods are on offer during the next one!

Getting Festive

Not long to go until that time of year comes around again and so we will be making sure to get into the holiday spirit by organizing a charity Christmas jumper day for all of our staff before we finish up for the festive period. Everyone is looking forward to dressing up and bringing the Christmas spirit in to Philtronics!

We are just getting started with our creative fundraising ideas and look forward to what's coming up in the next year. Here's to hoping that we have even great success with Byte Night 2020...

Philtronics Attends Celebratory Event for The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 12:43:53 GMT

Celebrating the success of our Aspire apprentices!

Programme Success

On October 16th, Philtronics attended a celebratory event to commend the achievements of our Aspire apprentices along with apprentices from other host companies. We were provided with the opportunity to network with many supporters and developers of the Aspire programme and it was very interesting to hear all about the success of the programme, which started just over three years ago.

Innovative Opportunity

We are delighted to have Aspire apprentices on board the Philtronics team as they have proven just how valuable they can be to a company like ours. Hard-working and enthusiastic, the apprentices are eager to gain new skills which benefit them just as much as they benefit us. It is exciting for us to give them the chance to work in a real world environment to gain essential experience along with their studies at Merthyr College. This advanced and innovative way of training staff allows us to develop new talent within the company along with enabling them to gain qualifications, something we are very passionate about here.

Rewarding Hard Work

After watching a video on exactly how they have benefited from the programme, it was an honor for the apprentices to receive awards for all of their hard work and commitment to their host companies and the Aspire programme. The awards were presented by Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport, and Howard Barrett, Mayor of the County Borough of Merthyr Tydfil. Both expressed their support for the programme and Mr Skates spoke of how he would encourage all young people to consider apprenticeships such as this one as they are becoming increasingly more recognised by employers who want to recruit staff with valuable experience.

Rob Bennett, Technical Director, tells us more...

"Even though the local area has a rich heritage in electronics manufacturing, we found that there was a lack of skilled resource available to match our companies growth ambitions. We took the long term decision that we needed to develop the next generation with the skills necessary to succeed. Looking at the Aspire NVQ programme, it was clear that our company offered a perfect platform for the apprentices to develop and grow. We are looking at further expansion in manufacturing, which means creation of opportunities. We are also looking at expanding our development company, Philtronics Solutions, which works in partnership with Philtronics Ltd."

Inspired for the Future

We are proud of our apprentices for receiving these awards and look forward to seeing them develop even further in time to come. Philtronics is also proud to be a part of such a great programme and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Aspire in the future. We hope to create even more jobs by taking on new talent through Aspire soon. Thank you Aspire for providing us with such hard working and dedicated apprentices!

First Byte Night Swansea is a Success!

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 08:52:23 GMT

Philtronics sleep out in support of Action for Children

How did we become involved with Byte Night Swansea?

Byte Night is the UK's largest corporate sleep out event organised by Action for Children, with individuals and teams sleeping out to raise vital funds to prevent youth homelessness. These funds allow Action for Children to continue to help thousands of young people to build better lives by providing essential support, accommodation, education and training.

Inspired by his first sleep out in Cardiff last year, Simon Pritchard (Managing Director) was extremely keen to bring Byte Night to Swansea for the first time this year and decided to join the Board.

Reaching our target was made possible thanks to a fantastic effort from everyone...

At Philtronics, we managed to exceed our £6.5K fundraising target last Friday!

The generosity shown by our suppliers, business contacts & local businesses was incredible. Thank you all for donating amazing prizes towards our Byte Night raffle. We sold close to 5,000 tickets!

We didn't stop there! Everyone at Philtronics helped in their own way. From buying and selling raffle tickets, baking delicious pies, cakes & shortbread for our bake sales, having their legs waxed (thank you boys!) and providing crochet scarves to keep the team members warm on the night.

Thank you all for getting involved, what a team!

Inspiration and Outstanding Generosity

Our links with the Ospreys Rugby & Ospreys in the Community helped tremendously. Everyone could see the benefit of running the first Swansea event. With a total of 96 sleepers and an individual fundraising target of £500, there is a £48K potential total. 80% will go directly to the Ospreys in the Community!

Kyle's story on the night was very touching, explaining to us all just how much the charity has helped him through difficult times. Listening to Caryl from Action for Children as she explained the various ways she and her team support young children throughout South Wales was an eye opener and reinforced exactly why we had all worked so hard to support this charity.

Thanks also to Paul Whapham & his Team at the Ospreys for all their hard work. It was great to hear about the Ospreys initiatives throughout the region!

Our Chosen Charity

Byte Night Swansea was our first team event. Being involved with Action for Children at Board level, it makes complete sense for us to carry on supporting this amazing charity going forward.

Our commitment will not stop with Byte Night 2019.

We have decided to organise monthly fundraising events internally. At least 8 of us will take part in the Tough Runner Swansea Epic 10K next May and other staff members are planning to walk up Pen Y Fan!

It is clear to see that as a team, we can achieve amazing things! It has been inspiring to see such enthusiasm among the team and the community spirit has clearly shone through.

We are very keen to get as many people involved as possible for such a great cause.

If you would like to get involved as a business or individual, please get in touch.

Once again we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our fundraising efforts. The generous donations from you all and time dedicated to helping our campaign made reaching our target possible and we couldn't have done it without you!

Philtronics staff prepare us for Byte Night

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 08:00:23 GMT

Knitting scarves to keep the team warm

Only two weeks to go until Byte Night!

Thanks to our wonderful staff the Byte Night team will be sure to stay warm on October 4!

Judith and Wendy have kindly taken the time to knit all 13 members of the Byte Night team crochet scarfs. At Philtronics we are delighted to see so many people getting involved in our fundraising campaign in any way they can. It is heart warming to know that our staff are all willing to do their bit to support Action for Children.

The team spirit here is driving our fundraising to new heights of success and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next couple of weeks!

Network75 students join our team

neil@websitesorted.com (Neil Kinnerly) — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 09:48:59 GMT

Welcoming Olivia and Ben to Philtronics

We have recently welcomed two Network75 students and are delighted to have them as part of our team!

What is Network75?

The Network75 programme provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience, earn a wage and study for a degree. The students work with us at Philtronics 3 days per week and attend university 2 days per week. The students chose the Network75 route to a degree because of the practical experience that working alongside their degree brings, along with the financial benefit of graduating from university with no student debt. At Philtronics, we believe that being able to put what you learn in university into practise in a real working environment is very important. This is why we have chosen to employ Network75 students. They are proven to become an essential part of the business and upon graduation, we hope to have tailor made employees who know the company inside and out.

What Ben has to say...

Ben is studying for a degree in Mechanical Engineering which he hopes will enable him to develop his analytical and mathematical skills to solve real life problems. He will enhance his capabilities in learning how to develop and manufacture well-designed products, along with understanding the fundamentals of engineering practises.

“I learned about Network75 through a teacher at my school. I knew that I didn’t want to follow the traditional university route and go into full time education, so I started looking for an apprenticeship. Network75 looked like a great option for me as I still wanted to learn and get an education but along with gaining the work experience that’s so important in the engineering industry too. I chose Philtronics as I was very interested in the products they develop and wanted to know more about them and how they are manufactured. I hope to become a valued asset to the company whilst gaining industry experience to further my career.”

What Olivia has to say...

Olivia will be studying for a Business Management degree as she is ambitious to find out how a successful business functions. She will learn all about the different aspects of business and how they inter-relate, along with modern approaches to management in the workplace, including the development of technologies which are becoming more advanced and the skills people require.

“After completing my A levels, I took a year out as I was unsure what career path I should take. Spending the year in full time employment made me realise that I wanted to continue to work, but I also knew that I wanted to further my education. Then a friend recommended the Network75 programme which I instantly knew suited my career aspirations. I took the placement with Philtronics because they expressed a genuine interest in helping me to bring what I learn in university into the workplace and seemed like a very ambitious, growth-driven company. I’m thrilled to be starting my career here!”

Anne Pritchard (Finance Director) on why Philtronics decided to employ Network75 students:

“From an employer’s perspective, the Network75 program is a great way to nurture future graduates with hands-on experience. We took on one Electronics & Electrical Engineering Network75 student last year, Kieran, who quickly became part of the team. It is a serious commitment on both parts as the program runs over 5 years but the difference between a standard graduate coming out of university with no real work experience and an experienced Network75 student is huge. We hope that all 3 students will thrive in their new roles and turn into valuable employees in the long run”.

We wish Ben and Olivia luck with their new placements and hope to see them thrive within the business!

What a successful few weeks at Philtronics on the fundraising front!

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 11:10:10 GMT

Byte Night Progress Update

We have organised a Byte Night raffle which has received donations of amazing prizes from generous suppliers, customers, partners & local businesses. These prizes include Ospreys Rugby season tickets for 2, 4 Ball at St Pierre Marriott Golf course, Virgin Hot Air Balloon experience for 2, ring.com Video Doorbell, Luxury Fortnum & Mason Wine Hamper and another 4 Ball at the Celtic Manor, just to name a few.

The sale of tickets has proved a great triumph with many people keen to do their part for charity and be in with the chance of winning some exciting goods!

Also, thanks to the help of our generous employees we managed to raise over £100 from our bake sale to help towards our Byte Night target. The baked goods clearly went down a treat! We would especially like to thank Memory Lane Cakes for their donation and Ann Strong for taking the time to bake delicious biscuits for our sale.

The bake sale was so successful that we’re hoping to do another one every week until the Byte Night Sleep Out!

Only one month to go until the big night so until then we’ll be working non-stop to make sure that we reach our £6,500 target for Action For Children!

Philtronics creates a fundraising team for Byte Night

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 13:04:25 GMT

What is Byte Night?

Byte Night is the UK's largest corporate sleepout. It works to support some of the 83,000 young people who are homeless in the UK every year through no fault of their own: family breakdown, mental health issues and abuse in the home are just a few of the causes which lead too many young people becoming homeless.

Where did it all start?

Simon took part in the Byte Night Cardiff sleep out alongside SPTS last October and he became a Byte Night Wales Board Member shortly after. He joined the event with a skewed perception of homelessness: this problem just effected cities, homeless people were making £100’s a day from begging and some had their own property, etc.

During the evening he heard stories from people in our community and it became real to him.

He was surprised that there was a bond created amongst all sleepers, a sense of community, teamwork, looking out for one another. That made sleeping out for one night the easy part. Walking back to the car wet and cold the following morning past real homeless people knowing he was going home to a hot shower and a cooked breakfast hit him hard and made him reflect on how lucky he was.

Byte Night is coming to Swansea for the very first time this year! Thanks to our links with the Ospreys, Simon has helped organise the first Byte Night Swansea event at the Liberty Stadium. This year, it will take place on Friday 4th October across 12 locations in the UK. It is an evening where team and individuals sleep out to raise money towards youth homelessness. The fundraising target is £500 per individual.

How Action for Children works

From before they are born until they are into their twenties, Action for Children help disadvantaged children through practical services and programmes that are proven to work. They provide vital support to the most disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK. Last year, they supported more than 300,000 people, through 550 services.

Here are just some of the ways they did this…

Families in crisis
Disadvantaged young people
Children who can no longer live with their birth families
Children with disabilities
Young carers

For more info, please visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk and www.bytenight.org.uk

To support Action for Children and help us reach our Team Target, please click on :

Welcome to our 4 new apprentices

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 08:59:07 GMT

We would like like to welcome our 4 new apprentices : Correy, Joshua, Corey & Nathan

Here at Philtronics, we are always looking to add aspiring new talent to our team!

That's why we are thrilled to welcome four new apprentices here from the ASPIRE Shared Apprenticeship programme based in Merthyr Tydfil. This programme will include the apprentices being trained by Merthyr Tydfil College to provide them with the theoretical knowledge they need to gain to be able to work effectively within their host company. We are then able to give them the opportunity to practise what they learn at college within our business, ensuring that their training gives them the skills and confidence to become a valued member of the workforce.

Thank you to ASPIRE Merthyr Tydfil for helping us with the recruitment process. We wish our new apprentices luck and look forward to seeing how they progress in their new ventures!

Annual Company BBQ

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 08:53:23 GMT

Glorious sunshine for our company barbecue!

Taking a break from all the hard work!

Our summer company barbeque took place last Friday and it was a great opportunity to get to know our latest recruits.

The atmosphere was excellent and this event was a great way to bring all of our staff together. Here at Philtronics we like to involve our staff in team building events to improve the way we all work together, which we believe creates a positive working environment.

Altogether a successful afternoon with lots of laughter and delicious food! Thank you to everyone for making it a very enjoyable day and to Cresta Catereres for providing us with excellent food and service.

Byte Night - Action for Children

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 11:54:15 GMT

Launch Night - 17th July 2019 - Liberty Stadium, Swansea

Here at Philtronics, we are passionate about helping those less fortunate than ourselves...

You may be aware that we are involved in Byte Night, the charity event run by Action for Children to help combat youth homelessness. Thanks to our links with the Ospreys, we have been involved in organising the first ever Byte Night event at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. The launch night will take place on 17th July and the main event, the corporate sleepout, on Friday 4th October.

What is Byte Night?

Byte Night is the UK’s largest national corporate sleepout event, with individuals and teams sleeping out on the street to raise vital funds to prevent youth homelessness.

Your support will also allow Action for Children to continue to help thousands of vulnerable young people to build better lives by providing essential support, accommodation, education and training.

For more info, visit www.bytenight.org.uk

Please keep an eye on our social media accounts for more information. We look forward to taking part in this event and hope we can count on your support!

ISO 9001 Accreditation Renewal

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We have successfully passed our ISO 9001:2015 Audit this week

At Philtronics we are committed to putting in place frameworks that enable us to achieve our company objectives. We want our customers to know that we are dedicated to providing top quality products and services and are intent on gaining top customer satisfaction by implementing systems that are fit for purpose.

Another great achievement in our mission for continual improvement and development!

Philtronics joins forces with Glamorgan Cricket Club

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:44:49 GMT

We are pleased to announce a two year sponsorship deal with Glamorgan cricket club.

The partnership will see our Philtronics Solutions’ logo appear on the collar of Glamorgan’s Vitality Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup shirts for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Simon Pritchard, managing director of Philtronics Solutions, said: “One of our main objectives as a company is to support and develop sport in Wales and this new sponsorship agreement with Wales’ elite cricket team is a perfect example of that.

“Both myself and our technical director, Rob Bennett are also passionate supporters of the club so we are delighted to become partners with Glamorgan and hope to share success with them both on and off the pitch.”

Head of commercial, Huw Warren, said: “We are delighted to welcome Philtronics Solutions to the growing Glamorgan Cricket partnership family.

“As a new, innovate company working in the sports sector the fit with creating innovation in cricket is an exciting proposition over the next two years and hopefully beyond.

“Glamorgan Cricket offer a pan Wales platform and Philtronics Solutions objective to support and grow sport in Wales fits with our brand objectives. We’re both looking forward to a big season ahead in 2019.”

Read the official announcement on Glamorgan Cricket here

Gum shield helps spot concussion signs

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

BBC Click recently visited our partners Sports & Wellbeing Analytics to find out more about the PROTECHT solution. They spoke with their CEO, Chris Turner and the research lead of the Look A-Head project, Dr Elisabeth Williams whilst also meeting some of the Ospreys players and former British and Irish Lion, Wales and current Osprey, James Hook.

View the video and read the BBC Click article here

Collaboration with Network 75

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Welcoming Kieran to our team

What is Network75?

About Kieran...

Kieran will be studying for a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of South Wales Treforest Campus, where Network75 is based. Upon interview, we recognised Kieran as a hardworking and bright individual who we predict will achieve great success here at Philtronics and in his academic studies.

Kieran, we wish you the best of luck!

Philtronics appoints Rob Bennett as Chief Technology Officer.

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Hirwaun, Wales, UK, July 2, 2018 - Philtronics Limited, a leading South Wales contract electronics manufacturer (CEM), today announced it has appointed Rob Bennett as Chief Technology Officer, effective immediately. Rob brings over 25 years of experience to Philtronics. He will report directly to Simon Pritchard, Philtronics's Managing Director, and join Philtronics's executive team.

As CTO, Rob will be responsible for evolving our technology strategy and introducing a development arm to the Philtronics.

Simon said, "During our extensive search for a CTO, Rob emerged as the natural choice given his track record of high volume electronics manufacture, product development and his proven ability to lead at technology companies. I'm delighted to officially welcome Rob on board and look forward to his contributions to Philtronics and its customers."

Rob's career started at Sony Manufacturing in Pencoed, where he developed test equipment for the television and monitor production lines. From there, Rob moved to Grundig in Llantrisant, where he was part of the team that developed the first BskyB Digital Satellite receiver boxes. After moving to Astra Games, part of the Novomatic group of companies, he quickly rose through the company ranks to the position of Director of Technology, where he guided the company from development of traditional analogue based product, through to the latest cutting edge, 'always connected', video terminals.

Philtronics appoints Jeremy Horton as Head of Supply Chain

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that Jeremy Horton has joined the Company as Head of Supply Chain. Jeremy has over thirty-years of extensive experience in both direct and indirect procurement and supply chain management roles across a diverse range of sectors and categories. We wish Jeremy every success in his new role.

Philtronics Take Delivery of New SMT Placement Machine Mirae MPS-1020QP

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The new machine will be fully commissioned by the end of February. This latest acquisition is part of our continuous improvement plan. Full spec can be found on our website.

Snapshot of capabilities are:

Placement speed of 4 components a second.
Minimum component size of 0201 (0.02in x 0.01in).
Can place Chips, Can Caps, Discrete Tx/Dx, Small ICs, QFP, BGA, CSP, Connectors etc.
Placement accuracy of 0.025mm.
4 Precision Placement heads.
90 component feeders.

To compliment this we have also purchased a new Automatic Optical Inspection Machine (AOI), Mirtec MV-2HTL.

This can inspect a single frame in 0.25 seconds (each frame can have between 1 and 10 components). The Component placement, orientation, value, solder joint quality are all inspected. The machine also checks for any solder bridges.

IPC Certified Staff!

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As part of our continuous improvement plan, our staff are all IPC trained.

Our PCB staff are trained to IPC-A-610 – “The Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies”

This is the most widely used standard published by IPC and incorporates the acceptance criteria for consumer and high reliability printed wiring assemblies.

Our Box/Loom assembly staff are trained to IPC/WHMA-A-620 – “Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies”

This standard sets expectations between Philtronics and our customers for what is considered acceptable quality workmanship for cables and harnesses.

The aim of the training is to improve production quality, efficiency, and ultimately reduce costs by mitigating the need for rework and repair. All training has been carried out by a Certified IPC Trainer, and all certifications are provided by Philtronics.”

Philtronics proudly announce new partnership with Ospreys Rugby

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Philtronics are proud to become a premium partner of Ospreys Rugby. Our logo will feature on the left leg of the first team's shorts.

Huw Warren, Head of Commercial at the Ospreys said:

“We’re thrilled to be able to welcome Philtronics to our growing family of commercial partners. Having come on board with us via the matchday hospitality route as members of the all inclusive Godi Lounge it’s fantastic to see them progressing onto the first team playing strip, as they recognise the commercial benefits of working with the Ospreys."

See the full article here .

Philtronics 10th Year Growth Plan Now Ready for ‘Take- Off’

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Hirwaun-based Philtronics is upskilling and expanding into innovative and high-tech markets as the company pursues its ambitious growth plans.

Earlier this year the family-run electronics business moved to new premises on the Hirwaun Industrial Estate, tripling its size in a new high-tech home following an £800,000 investment.

Rugby legend Jonathan Davies was on hand to officially open the new factory, and to mark the company’s tenth anniversary.

And as its growth continues, a new subsidiary – Philtronics PAT – has been launched. As well as this, several highly qualified technical staff have been added to the team as high tech work with leading international clients increases.

Managing Director Simon Pritchard explained: “PAT, or Portable Appliance Testing, is a natural move for us as we already have the equipment and skills in place. Any hotel, club, or any place of business for that matter, needs an annual check on any electronics with a domestic plug, and this is a growth area.”

The appointment of new Operations Manager Christine Britton is an important step in drawing in international clients. “Christine has a 20 year career in global management with leading international companies, and her arrival is part of our drive to open up worldwide markets,” added Mr Pritchard.

Another increasingly important client is Chromogenex in Llanelli, for whom Philtronics is providing turnkey solutions for their markets in Brazil.

The firm’s business plan, drawn up by Treforest accountants and business advisers O’Brien & Partners, predicts turnover increasing to £8 million in the next two years. In that time, the workforce is expected to rise from the present 50 to 75. In 2012 five staff have been taken on.

O’Brien & Partners Managing Director Lewis Van Emden, said: “Philtronics is an ambitious, growth-minded firm which benefits from being a family concern with a high level of skills, and a committed workforce. We have helped them devise a bold business plan, assisted with raising finance and are advising on business strategy.

“It is a pleasure to see them moving forward and we wish them continued success.”

A year on and the plan is on track. “We are a year into our three year plan and we are growing in line with our expectations,” commented Mr Pritchard. “We are moving into new areas, and the new staff we are recruiting are of an increasingly commercial and technical background. We believe this investment will pay dividends as we grow the high-end technical side of the business.”

Working in many fields including amusements, avionics, defence, medical, semi-conductor and domestic, the firm delivers ‘plug and play’, tested assemblies; whilst targeting growth in aerospace and other sectors.
Furthermore Philtronics is already supporting leading edge innovation with ‘blue-sky-thinking’ individual entrepreneurs, to whom they offer rapid prototyping and solutions to ‘design for manufacture’ projects enabling speed to market and a competitive edge to those looking to bring niche and new technology to the global marketplace.

The move to the new factory has been significant. “As well as giving more space to grow, the move enabled us to put new structures in place and has increased efficiency,” he added.

However, Mr Pritchard is keenly aware of the need to keep costs low in a fiercely competitive world. “Today the market is global and barriers to competition are all but gone. Companies move their production around the world with ease. This means that we have to keep overheads low and constantly improve service and the skills we can offer.”

Equally Philtronics has recently seen the importance of providing a service to UK companies who feel the need to re-shore their manufacturing in order to keep a close relationship with their strategic supply chain partners for increased flexibility in an economically stretched market, whilst maintaining high quality standards.

“Our staff, all of whom are local, have been fantastic and there is no doubt that the international electronics firms that have set up in Wales over the last 30 years have benefited the area. While many of these firms have left, there is a legacy of skills from which we are now reaping the rewards.”

philtronics-limited

Philtronics Achieves ISO 13485:2016 Certification

Celebrating our double achievement at the National Make UK Awards

Philtronics Celebrates Double Victory at Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025 for the Wales Region

Celebrating National Engineering Day 2025

Philtronics x Militec

TSW Leadership and Management Training

Testimonials From ​Philtronics

Staff Spotlight: Dalila Rule

Staff Spotlight: Wayne Churchill

Philtronics' Path to Innovation, Growth and Partnership

Insights from Sport: Steve Kerr’s Lessons in Leadership

Andries Pretorius: Fostering Leadership and High-Performance

Expanding Our Commitment: Great Days Golf

Philtronics Opens Its Doors to Inspire the Next Generation of Engineers

1. Introduction to Philtronics

2. Hands-on assembly workshop

3. Virtual Reality Learning

4. Facility Tour

Favourite Moments

Philtronics and the Power of Esports

Esports jersey sponsorship

Benefits for students:

For companies like Philtron ics:

Philtronics x Coleg Y Cymoedd

Background

Level 2 Electronics Students Visit Philtronics

Apprenticeships and Career Pathways

Expanding Our Apprenticeship Programme

Reaching a Wider Audience

Group Tutorials and Community Engagement

Looking to the Future

Supporting Velindre in Beating Cancer through Charity Bike Rides

Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge

Velindre’s Key West 2024 Ride

Staff Spotlight: Calum Chislett-Williams

Calum's journey to Philtronics

A day in the life at Philtronics

What sets Philtronics apart?

Skills and interests

Advice for aspiring engineers

Made in Wales Roundtable 2024

ANDY MALLOWS

Joint managing director, Mallows Bottling

NEIL BARRON

Chief executive, Litelok

﻿ PROFESSOR ROSSI SETCHI

Director of Research Centre in AI, Robotics and Human-Machine Systems, Cardiff University

PHILLIPE DE WILDE

Chief executive, Roperhurst

﻿ SIMON PRITCHARD

Chief executive, Philtronics

JANIS RICHARDS

Membership director, Make UK

﻿ CRAIG GRANT

senior relationship director, HSBC

RACHEL DOYLE

Partner, MHA

﻿ RICHARD JONES

Partner, Blake Morgan

RICHARD DAVIES

Regional director, Hunter Selection

Staff Spotlight: Kayleigh Williams

Q. Tell us about your role at Philtronics.

Q. How has the new Philtronics Academy benefitted your role and the team?

Q. What sets Philtronics apart from the rest?

Philtronics Digitalisation Project

Background

Digital Transformation

1. Integration of Digital Technologies

2. Data Management and Analytics

3. Automation

4. Improved Communication and Collaboration

5. Security and Compliance

6. Training and Change Management

Philtronics x Bristol Braille

Background

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and Mechanical Assembly

Bringing Pleasure Back to Reading

Philtronics x Heatforce

Testimonials From Philtronics

PROFESSOR ROSSI SETCHI

SIMON PRITCHARD

CRAIG GRANT

RICHARD JONES

Apply for a fully funded apprenticeship here at Philtronics.

Q. Would you say your military skills are transferable into this industry?

Q. Any advice for those seeking a similar role or career path?