Philtronics x Militec

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.
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