G&H is a leading photonics technology business headquartered in the UK with a highly skilled international team of over 1,000 employees serving customers from a global footprint of sales, engineering and manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
“We are a leader in advanced photonic systems, components and instrumentation covering acousto, electro, fibre and precision optic technologies,” says Charlie Peppiatt, CEO G&H, explaining that these high-quality components and optical systems technologies are offered in three sectors – Aerospace & Defence; Industrial & Telecoms; and Life Sciences and Scientific Research.
He acknowledges that G&H has a strong track record of developing new products and technologies, offering its customers the most advanced photonic solutions. This is also one of the company’s differentiators.
“We enable our customers to innovate and compete by leveraging our world-class expertise in photonics technology across the advanced cutting-edge applications that are often required to operate in the harshest environments. G&H’s products can be found everywhere from outer space, on Mars and orbiting the Earth, to the bottom of the deepest oceans, coupling the fibre-optic cables that carry 95% of the world’s international internet traffic.
“We are also committed to providing our customers with excellent customer service, and we provide them with local support and expertise. This is important for customers who need help with installation, troubleshooting, or maintenance,” he says, noting that G&H has a network of distributors in over 50 countries, which allows the company to reach a wide range of customers.
Responsible business
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of G&H by Archie Gooch and Leslie Housego in 1948, and there is much about its past that the company can deservedly be proud of, be that G&H’s unique photonics technical pedigree, or its long commitment to working in partnership to deliver the highest-quality components and optical systems.
The business has been recognised through a number of industry awards, including the Queen’s Awards in 2016, and in 2018 G&H was named one of the ‘Top 100 Global Photonics Companies’ by Photonics Media. “Additionally, we have been recognized for our commitment to social responsibility,” says Mr Peppiatt. “In 2019, we were awarded the “Corporate Social Responsibility Award” by the Photonics Industry Association, a recognition of companies that are making a positive impact on society through their business practices.”
G&H is proud to contribute to a greener future through its photonics innovations in renewable energy technologies – its solar cells and photovoltaics are at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the global shift towards cleaner and greener practices.
“We are committed to making G&H a sustainable business,” says Mr Peppiatt. “We invest in solar panels and energy-efficiency measures, aiming for net zero emissions by 2035. All of our UK manufacturing facilities generate energy from solar sources. Three manufacturing sites out of 11 now have ISO:14001 certification with a commitment to establishing this environmental best practice standard at all our sites over the next 4 years.”
Expanded capability
The company has undergone some important changes since Mr Peppiatt assumed the role of CEO last year and has recently expanded its capabilities with two acquisitions, of US-based GS Optics, which specialises in custom injection moulding for precision optics, and of UK-based Artemis Optical, a leading provider of optical thin-film coating solutions.
“The strategic investment in GS Optics will unlock new possibilities and push the boundaries of what is possible in optics and photonics. And Artemis’ renowned excellence in thin-film coatings complements our existing capabilities to enable us to deliver advanced photonics technology and unparalleled value for our customers. Together, we are well-positioned to accelerate our customer-focused innovation plans and create a better world with photonics,” says Mr Peppiatt.
G&H is expanding the campus in downtown Rochester by 25% to support its growth plans of making the site its North American Life Sciences Center of Excellence. Additionally, the Plymouth site will become an innovation hub for coatings within the Group. “This is all in alignment with our priority to refocus the business by investing in higher-margin products and sectors, while addressing non-performers, in combination with strategically pursuing ‘speed to value’ acquisitions.”
He further points out that both acquisitions are fully in line with G&H’s new strategy, focused on transforming G&H into an ‘innovative customer-focused technology company’ delivered responsibly by making a ‘better world with photonics’ and ensuring that G&H becomes and remains the first choice for all its stakeholders.
Enabling new frontiers of technology
The new strategy is set to reflect future market developments. The global photonics market is growing rapidly with tailwinds from mega-trends increasing its attractiveness in several vertical markets such as IoT, AI and machine learning. G&H will capitalise on new opportunities, with a continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer service.
“The increased demand for advanced manufacturing and automation has opened up new avenues for our photonics solutions. Our sensors, imaging systems, and laser technologies are playing a pivotal role in enabling higher precision and efficiency in various industries.”
“The life sciences sector is another promising area for us. Our photonics innovations in medical imaging, laser surgery, and biomedical sensing are driving positive changes in patient care and treatment. The rising demand for cutting-edge healthcare technologies presents immense opportunities for us to contribute and thrive.”
“Moreover, the expansion of data communications and optical networking is also driving our photonics industry forward. Our optical components are crucial in delivering high-speed data transmission and meeting the increasing demands for reliable connectivity.”
In conclusion, he affirms that G&H stands at the forefront of these market trends, leveraging its expertise and innovative spirit to drive positive impacts in the photonics industry. “I believe that these market trends present significant opportunities for G&H. We are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities, and we are confident that we will continue to grow and succeed in the years to come.”
