Laser Components UK in its Market
The establishment of LASER COMPONENTS (UK) in 1993 marked the first step outside the German home market and signalled the start of LASER COMPONENTS as an international group of companies. Operating from Chelmsford, Essex, the business and its practices are more closely aligned with customers from the British Isles. The UK is a very special market, characterised by areas of excellence that call for strong technological expertise and demand high-quality components. Leading-edge fields of science, such as quantum technologies, are complemented by complex applications including oil and gas sensing, fire and flame detection, and precision standards such as atomic clocks, to name a few.
LASER COMPONENTS (UK) has established itself as a sales and marketing business, supported by a technically focused workforce dedicated to meeting customers’ photonic component needs. Close proximity to customers and their specific requirements has proven to be a successful formula and has served as a blueprint for the creation of additional sales companies across Europe and the USA. The outcome of BREXIT added another benefit, since the company is now a recognised importer and distributor of products from the EU and other countries such as the USA.
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A Strong and Innovation Driven Industry
The UK Photonics Industry
Photonics is one of the most productive manufacturing sectors in the UK and has been listed among the “seven technology families of UK strength and opportunity” that form part of the government’s innovation strategy.
In 2023, the industry generated £15.2 billion, achieving a growth rate of 9% over two years. With a workforce of 79,100 individuals, it ranks alongside automotive and aerospace manufacturing. The entire sector is driven by innovation. More than half of the companies invest over 10% of their turnover in research and development, and many participate in collaborative R&D projects.
Photonics solutions are key to all the challenges the British and global societies will face in the coming years. This will not only accelerate the pace of innovation but also offer significant growth potential for the industry.
- Net Zero and Circular Economy: Photonic components are key to in material identification and high density marking. Applications like smart lighting, advanced data networking, and laser-based manufacturing help to save energy and reduce waste.
- Environmental Protection: Photonic sensors are used in Earth observation, crop inspection, and biodiversity monitoring. Their precise, real-time analysis is crucial in assessing human impact.
- Modern Healthcare: The sector strongly depends on photonic applications – from diagnostics (cell counters, X-rays), laser surgery and photodynamic therapies to spectroscopic analysis in research and pharmaceutics.
- Digital Economy: Fibre optic networks form the backbone of digital infrastructure, supporting ever-growing data volumes. Photonic communications extend beyond Earth’s surface , enabling high-speed links via low Earth orbit satellites.
- Defence and Security: Photonic solutions provide critical data for situational awareness, surveillance, communications, and reconnaissance, while lasers are used for precision targeting and air defence.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Industries such as battery production, semiconductors, consumer electronics rely heavily on laser technology. Digital laser processing and machine vision are vital for the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0.
- Space Applications: Active LiDAR systems, optical fibre technology and other photonics systems collect data and transmit it back to Earth. They are also essential to inter-satellite communications.
Armed with extensive technological expertise and a diverse product portfolio, LASER COMPONENTS (UK) is ready to contribute to this vibrant and innovative market. Like the entire UK photonics industry, going beyond borders is at the heart of our business.
Every Team Member Is a Key Component
LASER COMPONENTS UK
At LASER COMPONENTS (UK), our team is a blend of seasoned professionals who excel in their fields. You can sense that they never lose the fun and excitement in tackling complex and challenging projects. United by a commitment to customer satisfaction, we prioritise quality of service and product quality above all else, followed by timely delivery and competitive pricing. Like our products, each team member is an indispensable component to the whole, adding value to every stage and, ensuring accuracy, speed, and efficiency in responding to your enquiries. Together, we strive to exceed expectations, delivering exceptional results with a smile.
Dan Barlow
General Manager
Our General Manager Dan Barlow, MPhys (Hons), has worked in the photonics industry for almost 20 years, across a broad range of markets, including semiconductors, industrial, life sciences, aerospace, and defence. He began his career at a UK distributor of photonics-based products and has since held numerous commercial roles with industry leaders in the fields of industrial lasers, fiber optics, and optoelectronic components.
Before joining Laser Components in 2024, Dan worked for a groundbreaking Semiconductor start-up based in Cambridge, UK.
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Beyond Borders
LASER COMPONENTS Germany - Your competent partner for optical and optoelectronic components in Germany.
Welcome to LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH, your expert for photonics components. Each product in our wide range of detectors, laser diodes, laser modules, optics, fiber optics, and more is worth every Euro (€/EUR). Our customized solutions cover all conceivable areas of application: from sensor technology to medical technology. You can reach us here:
Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 15
82140 Olching
Deutschland
Phone: +49 8142 2864-0
Email: info(at)
