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Diamond Takes a Shine to Caswell Science and Technology Park
 A hi-tech company which improves the durability and lifetime of moving components in everything from Formula One racing to offshore oil and gas production is establishing its first UK production and manufacturing facility at a newly-launched business park in Northamptonshire.
Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd is the latest occupier to lease premises at Caswell Science and Technology Park near Towcester after regional technology parks operator Fasset was brought in to breathe new life into the site.
The supermaterial coatings specialist is building its first development and production facility in the UK at the site following £570,000 worth of funding from private backers.
It has taken 1,500 sq ft at Caswell on undisclosed leasing and rental terms.
The fit-out of a bespoke facility is currently taking place within a building which forms part of the 170,000 sq ft complex. The facility will comprise ‘cleanroom’ manufacturing and office space.
Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd envisages several new positions being created and is due to bring four existing staff.
Chris Walker, Diamond Hard Surfaces’ Chief Executive, said: “Caswell proved a draw for a variety of reasons, including the centralised location, the proximity to ‘motor sport valley’ and the competitive pricing and on-site support facilities.
“We are working with customers in industries as diverse as Formula One, aerospace, packaging and oil and gas, and Caswell will be the heart of our operation.”
The materials produced using Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd’s patented process prolongs the life of components subjected to extreme conditions through improved wear resistance and reduced friction.
For example, engine components such as camshafts in high-performance F1 racing cars are coated with the unique, diamond-like material.
Other applications of the material include seal faces for mechanical seals used in oil refining and, in the medical sector, knee and hip joint replacements.
The product is capable of withstanding extreme conditions including high speed, temperatures, pressure, load and abrasive environments.
Fasset was awarded a contract last October by multi-national Bookham, the park’s landlord and largest occupier, to create and manage a business hub for small and large firms by making vacant space pay its way.
Bookham, which has 120 staff on site, designs, manufactures and sells optical components and sub-systems for hi-tech broadband communications. The original buildings were designed for 800 people.
Diane Partington, Fasset’s Sales and Marketing Executive at Caswell, said: “This is yet another piece of great news for the park, and we’re starting to build up momentum despite the obviously difficult economic climate.
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