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Steatite Director invited to present at University of Worcester

Students at the University of Worcester got an insight into a vital part of industry following a visit from a successful Worcester graduate.
Jonathan Jackson, Operations Director at Redditch-based Steatite Limited, was invited back to the University, where he gained his MBA, to talk to students about ‘Operations in the Real World’.

Dr Carl Evans, Senior Lecturer in Business & Management at the University of Worcester commented: “A key focus of Business Management programmes at University of Worcester is the integration of theory and practice. Presentations by managers of local businesses as part of the learning programme help students to understand the contemporary, commercial environment, and also provide an invaluable insight to support their future employment decisions.”

Operations management is one of the central functions of all organisations whether producing goods or services, or in the private, public or voluntary sectors. Students at the University, through study, will gain a basic framework for understanding this function during a session that discusses the role of operations managers, in particular the importance of focusing on suppliers and customers.

Jonathan said: “How these methods can translate into the real world is always harder for students to grasp until they themselves graduate and gain professional experience.”

Before joining Steatite in 2007, Jonathan spent 9 years in the Design Department for Severn Trent Water followed by 7 years managing the service department for Evesham Technology. Local company Steatite now employ over 90 staff and continue to grow through acquisitions and new business. Jonathan said: “Steatite have always been keen in forging new relationships with universities”.

Connect with Jonathan Jackson now on LinkedIn

Local company Steatite now employ over 90 staff and continue to grow through acquisitions and new business.

Steatite adds Multi-Carrier 3G Cellular Broadband Routers to Portfolio

Steatite announces new strategic partnership with CalAmp of Oxnard in the USA. CalAmp specializes in rugged wireless solutions from narrowband to broadband, using licensed, spread spectrum and cellular 3G, 4G LTE technologies to support fixed and mobile connectivity for mission-critical communications. The partnership with Steatite Ltd enables customers to have access to a wide range of radio and cellular based solutions including CalAmp’s Fusion, Vanguard 3000 and Viper SC range of IP L3 routers.

This newly forged relationship enhances the Steatite Mobile Systems product portfolio with multi-carrier 3G cellular broadband routers. Most modern automation systems are converging on a common IP based architecture that uses all or some of the elements described below:

Industrial PCs are the data processing and visualisation ‘brains’ of the system. Ethernet is used as the network infrastructure through the deployment of Industrial Ethernet switches. Cellular routers provide cable-free access to the internet and to other remote sites. Digital and analogue signals from a myriad of transducers can be captured with remote I/O modules serial Ethernet convertors allow legacy RS232/422/485 devices to be used on an IP based network.

“The agreement between CalAmp and Steatite in the UK represents another step in our international expansion strategy,” stated David Moss, Sales Director of CalAmp. “Teaming up with Steatite will provide mission-critical remote GPRS, 3G, HSPA+, 4G and UHF connectivity to transportation, digital signage, blue light servers, energy and utility markets in the UK”.

Steatite Ltd is able to deliver complete hardware solutions and can customise or integrate different parts of the system. Our team of qualified technical sales engineers, product specialists and application engineers are able to provide free pre-sales consultancy and assist with the design and implementation of bespoke solutions.

Steatite builds close individual relationships with its clients who are typically system integrators, manufacturers and test houses operating in the Military, Transport, Security and Oil and Gas industries. All who require a non-standard, extended specification, high quality product backed up by technically competent long-term support, and a supplier who can shoulder some of the burden when supplying systems to applications where quality, conformance and long-term support are mission critical.

Steatite Ltd is proud to represent CalAmp devices for robust wireless network solutions, allowing integration wherever possible with existing customer infrastructure. The newest product portfolio is now being offered to Steatite customers and a few offerings are noted below.

Vanguard 3000 Broadband Router

Vanguard 3000 Broadband Router

  • 3G GSM connectivity
  • Serial to Ethernet conversion
  • Industrial hardened with EN50155 compliance
  • Wi-Fi and GPS options
Viper SC Private Licensed Router

Viper SC Private Licensed Router

  • UHF, VHF, 200 and 900 MHz spectrum
  • Multispeed operation up to 128 kbps
  • Single device store and forward
  • Advanced security meeting FIPS 140-2

All the products within the CalAmp portfolio are fully manageable via local craft tools, or a range of powerful Network Management Systems (NMS) such as the COLT management system from CalAmp, or by integration with third party platforms such as Castlerock, HP Openview or Netcool, using the embedded SNMP protocol.

Contact Steatite Today!

To find out more, or discuss your specific requirements, call us on +44(0) 1527 512400 or drop us an email at sales@steatite.co.uk.

National Oceanography Centre Case Study

NOC Case StudySteatite Batteries to provide a durable and reliable power solution, making it possible for NOC to collect the maximum amount of data at a depth of 6000 metres.

REDDITCH, UNITED KINGDOM, April 8th, 2013

Download National Oceanography Centre Case Study PDF

Historically NOC have used Alkaline and Lithium Polymer battery packs in AUV’s but with the ever increasing deployment demands on endurance NOC required a fresh approach to power. Steatite worked with NOC to develop a mission critical Lithium Primary solution that increased the AUV’s endurance whilst reducing the whole life cost. AUV deployment can be costly with limited deployment and recovery times so deploying for as long as possible can be essential.

Steatite’s Lithium Primary solution offered a number of benefits over the existing Alkaline solution such as greater endurance due to the increased energy density, weight saving, higher stable head voltage and a greater operating temperature range.

Lithium Batteries are already utilised with success in oceanographic applications including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), Pipeline Inspection, Seismic Surveying, Acoustic Profilers, Sonar Devices, Oceanographic Buoys, Sensing Devices, GPS Systems and Memory Storage.

Steatite Batteries designed and manufactured battery packs, each containing 56 x Lithium Thionyl Chloride D cells. These battery packs were then tested to meet UN Testing Criteria Part III 38.3 Rev 5, Clauses T1 – T5. The finished solution comprises of 10 x battery packs, in order to achieve NOC required battery set specification of 25.2 Volts DC @ 152Ah. Each battery set will be constructed into a frame inside a pressure vessel by NOC with connections made to the Autosub.

Steatite’s battery solution made it possible for NOC to collect the maximum amount of data at a depth of 6000 metres. Visit www.steatite-batteries.co.uk to learn more.

Changes in Shipping Regulations for Lithium Batteries

GE SONDEXChanges in shipping regulations for lithium batteries mean that the ability to source your battery packs locally will reduce your costs and improve service levels. Steatite is the market leading battery pack manufacturer through Europe and the Middle East. Since the acquisition of RZ Pressure, we have continued to increase our range of high temperature battery packs which are approved to meet transport regulations.

With over 25 years’ experience, Steatite Batteries are a global leader in the supply of high temperature lithium battery packs to the oil & gas industry. Our range of battery packs are designed for safe and reliable operation in the most extreme environments. By choosing Steatite as your preferred vendor for your GE SONDEX battery packs you will benefit from:

  • Endorsed by OEM and preferred battery supplier to GE SONDEX
  • High quality battery packs manufactured in the UK
  • Ideally suited to Production Data Logging
  • Competitive prices
  • Fast delivery and worldwide shipping
  • UN3090 certified for air transport

Contact us today for our GE SONDEX price list: +44(0)1527 512400 or sales@steatite-batteries.co.uk

Visit the Steatite Batteries website at www.steatite-batteries.co.uk.

Steatite discusses SME Manufacturing issues at Westminster

Steatite discusses SME Manufacturing issues at WestminsterJohn Lavery, Managing Director of Redditch based company Steatite Limited, took part in a Q&A session at Westminster on Thursday 14th February 2013.

John Lavery and Karen LumleyJohn joined Karen Lumley MP, Member of Parliament for Redditch County, together with a number of Redditch business leaders who had been invited to the House of Commons to discuss issues around the growth of the manufacturing industry, with Michael Fallan MP, the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise in the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

Key issues at the meeting included employment, bank borrowing, investment for growth, export, employment law and red tape from local and national government. During the session John addressed TUPE Law (The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006) and the difficulties encountered by small to medium sized businesses in attempting to win large contracts due to restrictions in both European and National procurement processes.

Connect with John Lavery now on LinkedIn

Local company Steatite now employ over 90 staff and continue to grow through acquisitions and new business.

Steatite Plan Charity Sky Dive

John Lavery, Managing Director of Steatite limited has chosen to combine the excitement and exhilaration of jumping out of a plane with raising money for Worcestershire care providers St Richard’s Hospice. John and other staff from Steatite Limited embark on this charity sky dive on 1st June 2013.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,300 patients and family members in Worcestershire. The Hospice hopes to raise £6.1m this year, to enable them to continue their valuable work. St Richard’s is an independent hospice that relies mainly on voluntary income to enable them to continue to provide their services. They need to raise almost 70% of their annual costs to run the hospice from voluntary donations. The remainder is contributed by the NHS.

The hospice first started in the home of Dr Jenny Bulman before moving to Castle Street in Worcester. Home Care services started in 1984, followed by Day Hospice and the beginnings of an educational programme in 1988. As the organisation grew, so did the need for larger premises and the hospice moved to Rose Hill house in Worcester which was officially opened by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales in May 1992.

St. Richard's HospiceIn 2004 as hospice services continued to grow to meet demand, a £5.25m appeal was made to build a new centre with the first urgently needed specialist palliative care In-patient Unit for South Worcestershire. In 2006 the new St Richard’s Hospice opened in Wildwood Drive, Worcester.

John Lavery commented; Giving to charity is one of the most selfless things you can do. You’re giving away your hard-earned money and expecting nothing in return, save the personal satisfaction of making the world just a little bit better place. I will be joined by two young members of the Steatite team Jonathan (JJ) and Adam (Razor) on this venture, hoping they can calm my nerves.”

St Richard’s serves Worcestershire including Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Pershore, Upton-upon-Severn, Broadway, Evesham and the surrounding areas.

 

Jonathan J Lavery, Technical Sales Engineer at Steatite commented; Most people say we’re crazy. Some say we have a death wish. Psychologists say people with an inclination to take high risks are a necessary part of the continuation of our species…St Richards Hospice does a lot of work with families dealing with terminal illness and helping patients through the illness. We believe this to be a worthy charity.

Please visit their JustGiving™ page to donate to the St. Richard’s Hospice Foundation at https://www.justgiving.com/JJ-Lavery

Connect with John Lavery now on LinkedIn

Connect with JJ Lavery now on LinkedIn

Connect with Adam Jakeman now on LinkedIn

Steatite Supports Movember

Steatite Supports MovemberYou may have spotted myself and Mike Mountfield this month looking slightly different. It’s Movember and time to make a difference.

Men’s health is a cause we are both passionate about but in order to make a difference we need your help. Our commitment is to grow a moustache for the month of November and in doing so, raise vital awareness and funds for mens health including prostate and testicular cancer.

I am asking you to help support our personal journey by making a donation. The size of which isn’t important, every little contribution helps Movember to continue its funding of world class programmes. If you want to know more about what you’ll be helping to fund, you can visit Movember’s Program Overview page.

To highlight the importance of what we are doing, take a look at these statistics:

  • 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
  • This year 40,000 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed in the UK
  • 47% of testicular cancer cases occur in men under 35 years and over 90% occur in men under 55 years

Steatite Supports MovemberIf you’d like to help change these statistics, please donate to ‘THE TEAM’:

  • Donating online at: http://uk.movember.com/team/954441
  • Writing a cheque payable to ‘Movember’, referencing my Registration ID: 1589070 and mailing it to: Movember Europe PO Box 68600 London EC1P 1EF

For more details, take a look at the Programs We Fund section on the Movember website:
http://uk.movember.com/about/funding-overview

Thank you in advance for supporting our efforts to change the face of men’s health.

Many thanks

James Munger
Group Marketing Manager
Steatite Limited

Connect with James Munger now on LinkedIn

Connect with Mike Mountfield now on LinkedIn

Solid State PLC secure £3.5m In-Vehicle Contract for export

The Board of Solid State plc (AIM: SSP), the AIM listed supplier of industrial/ruggedised computers, specialist electronic components and battery power solutions to the electronics market, is pleased to announce that the Company has secured an export order for in-vehicle rugged computers worth in excess of £3.5m from a global provider of communication solutions.

The contract was won after extensive consultation with the client on the required product specification and reflects Solid State’s strength in design-in, supply and support of bespoke applications. The existing contract is for installation at two locations. There is the potential of further orders for other locations in due course.

The volume of the product to be supplied means that the order will be delivered at lower than normal average group margin, however it will be fulfilled before 30 September 2012 and will therefore fall within the first half of the financial year.

John Lavery, Managing Director of Steatite commented on the success in an interview, listen to it here.

Solid State plc (SSP) is a leading value added group of companies providing specialist distribution, design-in and manufacturing services to those acquiring industrial/rugged computing products, battery power solutions and electronic components for use in harsh environments.
Serving niche markets in oil & gas production, medical, construction, security, military and field maintenance, Solid State acts as both a distributor to OEMs and bespoke manufacturer of specialist units to clients with complex requirements.
Headquartered in Paddock Wood in Kent, Solid State employs over 100 staff across four sites. Solid State operates through two main divisions: Solid State Supplies and Steatite.
Solid State was established in 1971 and admitted to AIM in June 1996.

For further information please contact:
Solid State PLC
Gary Marsh – Chief Executive investor.information@solidstateplc.com
Winningtons (Financial PR)
Tom Cooper tom.cooper@winningtons.co.uk

Steatite Exhibiting at Embedded World 2012

Steatite will be exhibiting at Embedded World 2012 Exhibition, held between February 28th and March 1st in Nuremberg, Germany. With over 900 exhibitors and 19,000 visitors, the annual exhibition focuses on the latest developments within the embedded industry.

Steatite will be partnering with one of our suppliers, IEI Technology, on Booth No 2-426 in Hall 2.

For further information or a product demonstration, please contact us or visit Steatite at the show in Hall 2, Booth No 2-426.