March 2, 2011 3.26 pm This story is over 156 months old

E2v opens new Lincoln site

Hi-tech: e2v officially opened its microwave technology centre facility in Sadler Road, employing 60 people.

Global provider of technology solutions e2v opened on Wednesday its new microwave technology centre on Sadler Road in Lincoln.

The facility employs 60 people, the majority of whom are specialist engineers and scientists, responsible for designing and developing technology solutions.

E2v has been in Lincoln for 46 years at a site in Carholme Road, but in October 2009 it was announced the site would shut in 12 months, with 160 jobs at risk.

The closure decision was blamed on an unsuccessful attempt to sell the Lincoln business as well as a weak order book.

While most of e2v’s production was moved to Chelmsford, the company relocated its microwave electronics function in the former Coop pharmacy warehouse in Sadler Road.

This way, 60 jobs were kept in Lincoln and 100 were lost.

Tony Worth, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, officially opened e2v’s microwave technology centre Lincoln on March 2.

Over 60 guests attended, including the Mayor, Sheriff, Council members, customers and suppliers from around the world.

Duncan Johns, e2v Business Director said: “There has been a huge amount of work by a lot of people from e2v, supported by the local council, our suppliers and customers, to make this centre a reality.

“This new facility will be a true world centre for microwave technology and secures our presence in Lincoln for many years to come.”

City Councillor Marc Jones said: “e2v continues to develop cutting edge technologies here in Lincoln.

“The business was rationalised for the current market, and I’m very proud of the City Council’s Economic Development team, which has worked extremely closely with e2v to keep the company in Lincoln.

“There is real value in the highly trained technological staff e2v has here in the city and it’s exciting that these world class technologies will continue to be developed here.”

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney said: “This is marvellous news for Lincoln and it is heartening to know that, against a very difficult economic backdrop, our city is still able to attract significant investment.”

E2v is headquartered in the UK and employs approximately 1,600 people, with design and production facilities across Europe and North America.

For the year ending March 31 2010, e2v reported sales of over £200m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

On the former e2v site off Carholme Road, a Stamford Homes development will create 189 houses and 66 apartments.