Laser Wire Solutions has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Innovation for its pinpoint accurate technology which was developed to help the manufacture of medical devices.
Awards Ceremony
Laser Wire Solutions is a company who specialise in laser technology for the stripping and connection of specialist high value wires, used mainly in medical device manufacturing. The company was established seven years ago, and is based in Treforest Industrial Estate in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
In 2017, they launched a new laser machine named, ‘Odyssey-4’ for the manufacturers of medical devices. This device is able to strip the tough enamel coating from microscopic wires used in catheters to open clogged arteries, disperse blood clots, regulate heart arrhythmias, as well as other delicate wires found in cochlear implants, hearing aid devices and ultrasound cables. This technology means the potential for better diagnosis and treatment of people with often critical and life-threatening diseases and illnesses, whilst aiming to fulfil the needs of the medical industry through its small size and high precision.
Without this technology the process is purely reliant on a technician’s skill as manufacturers have to scrape away the insulation of the wires with a razor blade whilst looking at the wires through a microscope. Poorly stripped wires could result in failure during use, risking a patient’s health and damaging the manufacturer’s reputation.
Therefore, Laser Wire Solutions’ system is thought to be a more affordable and compact method which is able to cleanly vaporise insulation from delicate wires without damaging the underlying conductor. Additionally, closed-loop vision cameras with artificial intelligence are used to verify quality in each strip.
Esther Apoussidis, Laser Wire Solutions’ marketing/PR representative, said: “The first customer to come along in 2017 was the medical device manufacturing arm of one of the biggest names associated with pharmaceutical and consumer goods in the world. They trialled the machine and then were so impressed with the results that they promptly ordered 12 machines that same year.
“Laser Wire Solutions has now been recognised by the FT1000 as one of the top 50 fastest growing companies in Europe and one of the FT Future 100 UK List, which is an exclusive group of companies recognised for both exceptional and sustained growth and for their wider achievements within their industry or impact in society.”
Laser Wire Solutions’ drive for innovation and growth has been supported by Business Wales, which identified the company’s potential and placed the firm on the Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) in 2015. The Welsh Government’s AGP has supported the company’s expansion and enabled them to make precision products for saving lives. Additionally, it has helped increase export sales by more than one million pounds in a year.
Apoussidis said: “The AGP has performed an important role for Laser Wire Solutions in terms of supporting its continued global expansion. It has given the company access to funding, consultancy services on a range of subjects from strategy, IP and exporting to sales and marketing.”
Carmen Gahan, of AGP, commented: “The Queen’s Award is a recognition of the outstanding and pioneering work by Laser Wire Solutions. Working with AGP, the company has been able to develop its exports and expansion overseas.
“Helping firms such as Laser Wire Solutions is putting Welsh business at the forefront of international markets. Laser Wire Solutions has an exciting future ahead of it and we hope to continue help.”
Since its launch in 2017, Laser Wire Solutions has sold nearly 40 Odyssey-4 machines to both new and existing customers. The company is now ordering for multiple sites in America, including Mexico, with further interest being expressed by manufacturing plants in other parts of the world.