Philtronics x Militec

October 25, 2025

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. Testimonial from 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.

LATEST NEWS

October 10, 2025
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.
Dalila Rule joined the Philtronics team as our new Materials Manager in March 2025.
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Dalila joined us as our new Materials Manager in March 2025. She brings a wealth of experience and a passion for driving excellence in supply chain and operations.
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Philtronics is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Wayne Churchill, who stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in March 2025.