Change sparks story success

THE future’s bright for the winners of the Swansea Marriott and Evening Post Business Award for April.

Swansea Enterprise Park-based firm, Digitrol picked up the prize, which is also supported by the West Wales Chamber of Commerce, Swansea University’s school of business and economics, and Swansea Bay Partnership.

After diversifying away from its main market — the steel industry — the electronic engineering company has doubled its turnover to £2.4 million in one year and extended its manufacturing base in the city, creating eight new jobs and securing enough work for the next two years.

It diversified and developed a range of new products for the defence, rail and oil exploration sectors with support from the Assembly Government and a £300,000 investment from Finance Wales.

It now offers a one-stop shop service to industry specialising in the design, development and manufacture of sophisticated bespoke hardware and software systems for use in harsh natural environments.

The company’s products range from computer-based sonar systems for ships and submarines to rugged control and signalling systems for the rail industry in Australia, Canada, India and the UK.

The company also installs, maintains and upgrades computer systems and networks for a wide range of customers and businesses, from medical centres to accountancy firms.

Finance director Alan Bevan said: “It’s excellent to win this award.

“It’s a great boost for the staff and everyone involved with the company."