Deeside, North Wales – Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates MS, recently visited Comtek Network Systems (UK) Ltd to witness their efforts in repairing and prolonging the lifespan of critical roadside and telecoms infrastructure. Comtek, in collaboration with Bangor University and Sorrento Networks, is also heavily invested in new research and development.
During his visit to Comtek’s headquarters in Deeside, Mr Skates was welcomed by Askar Sheibani, CEO of Comtek Network Systems (UK) Ltd and Chair of the Deeside Business Forum. He was given a tour of Comtek’s advanced repair and refurbishment facilities, where engineers work on restoring and reusing critical telecoms and roadside systems that are used across the UK’s transport and communications networks.
Comtek’s sustainable repair and reuse services not only extend the lifespan of equipment but also reduce electronic waste and improve network reliability. This ensures that vital transport and telecoms infrastructure remains resilient, efficient, and cost-effective.
The partnership between Comtek, Bangor University, and Sorrento Networks is driving innovation in fibre optic technology. As the UK’s only manufacturer of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) equipment, Sorrento Networks, a part of the Comtek Group, is working with the other partners to pioneer new fibre optic research. This research utilizes Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) to detect faults in real-time along road networks. This technology has the potential to identify issues before they become serious, improving road safety, reducing disruption, and supporting smarter transport systems not only in Wales but also in other parts of the UK.
Professor Paul Spencer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Bangor University, praised the potential benefits of distributed fibre optic sensing in society, saying, “The ability of distributed fibre optic sensing to provide real-time, high-precision, cost-effective monitoring of key transport, communication, and utility networks has significant potential benefits for society.” He also highlighted the collaboration between the partners as a means of contributing to economic development and high-skilled job creation in North Wales.
Mr. Skates, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport, expressed his delight at visiting Comtek and witnessing their excellent and pioneering work. He also commended the presence of innovative engineering technology in North Wales and its potential impact on the transport network.
Comtek CEO Askar Sheibani emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, stating, “At Comtek, we are investing significantly in research and development – both in advanced repair techniques and in new technologies that enhance the performance and reliability of critical infrastructure.” He also highlighted their investments of over £2 million in R&D projects that benefit both public sector organizations and private network operators. Through their approach of combining innovative repair capabilities with fibre-based monitoring and diagnostic technology, Comtek not only supports the circular economy but also contributes to the transition towards greener, smarter, and more cost-efficient networks.
The visit to Comtek’s headquarters showcased the strength of North Wales as a center for technology, research, and advanced engineering. It also highlighted the positive impact of collaboration between businesses, academia, and government in delivering benefits for the economy, the environment, and the community.