A photonics manufacturing company based in Hamble is looking to expand its business by recruiting more people from the region.
Qioptic Photonics Ltd in Hamble, an Excelitas Technologies Company, has been expanding for the last few years and now has over 200 employees – and the need for 70 more in the next few months. The company has seen three years of exceptional business growth in the semi-conductor, laser, and optical technology industries, as well as biomedical.
Council Leader, Councillor Keith House visited the company this week to find out more about their plans and what support the Council can provide.
The company are expecting the growth to continue, with a significant facility investment on their site with brand new high-end cleanrooms that will create more skilled jobs. The new facilities will allow them to deliver their products to people across the UK and around the globe.
The products that are manufactured on site are used in applications such as X-ray machines and cancer diagnostic systems. They can be used in a range of medical research and diagnostic applications, as well as in the biomedical or semiconductor industry, including chip manufacturing.
In early 2020, Qioptiq Photonics Ltd employed 68 people. This increased to 200 by the end of 2022 through recruiting staff from across the Borough with some relocating from different parts of the UK. The job roles that were recruited for ranged from skilled manufacturing positions to project management and engineers.
Keith House said: “It’s great to see a local business that is thriving in our Borough and especially one that is looking to recruit a significant amount of people locally. As a Council we strive to support our local businesses to grow and it’s great to see a company that aims to help residents to gain employment.”
Qioptiq are looking to recruit people from the local area, including universities and colleges, specifically those that specialise in vocational and degree apprenticeships. The company is also looking to sponsor students wishing to get their qualifications in engineering at local universities so that they can work as they learn to help support the growth of its skilled workforce.
Connor Bowdidge, Operations Director from Qioptiq said: “We want to see our business grow but we are also focused on creating employment opportunities for the local community, especially the younger generation. Many here at Qioptiq, myself included, grew up and live in the local area, so not only do we want to get local people working with us but also young people and students that are looking to start a career in engineering and technology.”
The company will be recruiting over 70 new members of staff in the coming months as well as heading out to schools and colleges to get younger people interested in their industry.
