28th October 2015

Blackwood Embedded Solutions embeds new orders following Technology Award win at Made in Wales

A Caerphilly-based software and electronics company, which is part of the Welsh Government’s Advanced Growth Programme, has secured a number of new orders after winning a prestigious manufacturing award.

Blackwood Embedded Solutions designs software and hardware used in a number of high-tech products across the medical, retail and security industries.

In a record couple of weeks, the company that is located within Welsh ICE has not only won a prestigious Technology Award, but secured three new contracts.

Managing Director, Anthony Giles, believes the growth is a result of improved efficiency and innovation across the business.

He said: “This is a great time for design and manufacturing despite wide-spread scepticism.

“Our growth comes from our ability to access the right business support from the Welsh Government and then combine this with an understanding and timely reaction to market demand.”

Blackwood Embedded Solutions recently collaborated with a major medical devices manufacturer to design and test a product used during keyhole surgery.

One of three innovative projects undertaken by the company, this  helped the business secure the Made in Wales Technology Award which recognises those companies that design and manufacture products and services in Wales.

Anthony Giles added: “In contrast to existing products, the product helps to remove any smoke generated by the procedure from the abdominal cavity, thereby preventing its release into the operating theatre.

“Our role was to help ensure the company meets stringent industry regulatory approvals as well achieve a CE marking. This involved looking at both software design and testing protocols.

“As well as enabling us to grow the business, the result is the introduction of a product that has not previously been used in a surgical environment anywhere in the world.”

Blackwood Embedded Solutions has also been involved in the design and development of drug delivery systems, surgical generators and diagnostic medical products as well as electronic design services including schematic capture, circuit simulation, PCB layout and hand-built engineering prototypes. Some of these products will be showcased by the company at the Welsh Pavillion at Medica which takes place between 16 and 19 November 2015.

Over the next few years Blackwood Embedded Solutions plans to grow the company’s turnover to £2 million with support from the Welsh Government. This will also enable the business to create up to 10 new permanent jobs.

Anthony Giles added: “We are passionate about getting our clients’ products to market and are thrilled to win an award that both recognises the efforts of our team and also underlines our position as a differentiated supplier in our sector.”

View the Blackwood Embedded Solutions profile here