Laser researchers take Piccadilly space
Manchester University spin-out Advanced Laser Technology has secured its first dedicated premises at Piccadilly Trading Estate to service orders from China.
Eight staff at the R&D company will work initially in the 4,279 sq ft unit, owned by landlord ESN Scotland, a client of CBRE Investors. Andy Backhouse, associate director at Colliers International in Manchester, advised ESN. Backhouse said all 11 units owned by ESN on the estate were now fully occupied as a result of this letting.
Roger Hardacre, managing director of ALT, said the business the business was developing a system to allow customers to create their own laser systems for fusing hard-wearing coatings onto metal components which operate in a corrosive environment.
Hardacre said: "We are fortunate because we have launched with an initial customer in China, but expect to provide development services for European customers in oil, gas, coal mining, salt extraction and other industries."
ALT's initial staff are also engaged on their own PhD research at Manchester University.
Hardacre added: "Furthermore, we hope to have a research relationship with the University, where we can work together on new challenges in the use of lasers. The location of the factory is advantageous because it is only 15 minutes walk from the laser research centre at the university."
