LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE ON THE ISLAND

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August 6, 2025

5 min read

The Isle of Wight Technologies Group

Specialising in engineering, electronics and advanced manufacturing for the next generation

From SMEs to large multi-nationals, this innovative collaboration connects local businesses and educational centres across the Isle of Wight.

The group was originally founded by Andrew Turner. Now chaired by Dominic Ward, Director of Engineering at Johnson Electric FCP, it sets out to raise the Technology profile of the Island and attract talent, future skills, and more businesses to this sector, through networking, and a willingness to tackle common challenges like recruitment, funding and business expansion.

The group’s unique resources are used to support young people’s opportunities for excellent work-based study, work placements and Apprenticeships.  All with the common goal to help create aspiration and awareness of local companies by building career pathways for the next generation. Through aligning with Island schools, IOWTG highlights the benefits and opportunities of STEM focused education while realising the hidden potential with exciting careers.  And by sharing the groups Apprenticeship best practice/experience for the improvement of local Apprenticeships, we make this one of the successful pathways for young people to access meaningful careers. 

The group works closely with local organisations and funding bodies to support innovation and growth. If you would like to join the Technology Group or would like to find out more, please contact danielle.anderson@johnsonelectric.com


1. BAE SYSTEMS

At the forefront of Radar Technology for over 70 years BAE Systems has developed sensor solutions for every major UK warship in the fleet and a multitude of worldwide customers.

As a growing business working on cutting-edge solutions, we value the importance talent and those eager to push technological boundaries, making a real impact and translating this into world-class products.

Our mission is clear: to equip our customers with the most advanced and capable systems available, through which we invest and build the UK’s sovereign capability for Radar. With strong backing from those customers, who are not only in close proximity but also deeply integrated in our strategic vision, we operate in a highly collaborative environment where what we do really matters.

Our Radar business operates across the entire Engineering lifecycle, with an incredible variety of technological challenges and exceptional integration facilities to put this into action. The team is dynamic, forward-thinking with a value for career development, technical excellence, and real-world impact.



2. GURIT

We develop and deliver composite solutions and services for applications in global growth markets.

Based on the Island for over 45 years, Gurit (UK) Ltd was established to innovate and create advanced carbon and glass fibre composite engineering materials serving the Island’s rich boat building, wind energy and engineering industries. Our advanced R&D facility undertakes research and development to create higher performing, more sustainable chemical and composite materials. Extensive test laboratories allow testing of materials to their mechanical, chemical and environmental limits. Our team of specialist design engineers work with our customers to engineer the lightest, highest performing and most innovative structures for race yachts, buildings, transportation and industrial applications.

From our IOW manufacturing facility, we manage complex supply chains and manufacture hundreds of advanced products including composites, adhesives and coatings. We supply these direct to Island businesses with our local click and collect service, as well as distribute globally to over 35 countries. We also combine all our expertise to custom design and manufacture, and toll produce products as individual as our innovative customers.


3. IFPL

Delivering an outstanding passenger experience, together.

IFPL Group is a global leader, designing and manufacturing innovative solutions for commercial aircraft interiors. With a team of specialist aerospace designers, engineers, and production experts, IFPL develops cutting-edge products that enhance the passenger experience whilst ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness for airlines.

Specialising in audio jacks, USB power and LED mood lighting; IFPL are committed to delivering high-quality, durable, future-ready solutions.

Working closely with its customers creating products that improve connectivity and comfort, for in-flight entertainment.

From concept design, mechanical detailing, rapid prototyping, in-house testing and PCB manufacturing, IFPL offers a seamless end-to-end service combining industry-leading innovation with manufacturing excellence, delivering certified, production-ready solutions in months, not years—from two facilities on the Isle of Wight, UK.

With a reputation for engineering excellence, IFPL shapes the future of aircraft interiors, ensuring passengers stay connected, comfortable, and engaged throughout their journey.



4. YOKOGAWA MAREX

Developing innovative software and IT solutions for process data management in production facilities

Yokogawa Marex (a division of Yokogawa United Kingdom Limited) is a specialist software solutions company that develops, promotes, and supports software and IT solutions for production facilities across the world. These solutions provide valuable insights and actionable information to operate facilities effectively, efficiently, and safely in a profitable and more sustainable way.

We have a successful suite of more than 30 software products which have been deployed around the world. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation, constantly working with organisations to create new products and developments to meet our customers’ needs.

Yokogawa Marex is owned by Japanese parent company Yokogawa Electric Corporation: a major global process automation company within excess of 17,500 employees across a global network of 119 companies spanning 60 countries.



5. VIKOMA INTERNATIONAL

Over 50-years experience in the design and manufacture of world-leading reliable and innovative oil recovery and environmental solutions.

Vikoma’s oil spill range of products clean up as well as contain oil to prevent oil spills spreading and impacting nature and wildlife.

Vikoma also offers skimmers suited to industrial applications enabling recovered oil to be re- used. Applications include Oil refineries and Petro chemical, steel works and pharmaceuticals.

Vikoma has a worldwide network of agents and distributors to provide a first-class service worldwide.

Vikoma products are renowned for quality, durability and lifespan fully accredited by Lloyd’s registrar Quality Assurance ISO 9001:2015.

Vikoma cares about our planet and is taking steps to reduce its own carbon footprint as well as supporting customer to reduce theirs too. Products are designed to be kept as long as possible through maintenance, servicing and refurbishment.



6. GKN Aerospace

A leading global tier one supplier of airframe and engine structures, landing gear, electrical interconnection systems, transparencies, and aftermarket services.

GKN Aerospace is a global multi-technology leader in the aerospace industry. It has 32 manufacturing locations in 12 countries, serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers, specialising in the development and delivery of cutting-edge aerostructures and engine systems. Our unrivalled products, systems, and services are integral to the vast majority of today's commercial and defence aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to state-of-the-art fighter aircraft. Our mission is to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky.

On the Isle of Wight, GKN Aerospace has two sites based in East Cowes, employing approx. 900 people. We run an extensive apprenticeship program in disciplines such as: Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, Program Management, Leadership & Lean.



7. Power Device UK  

Specialising in the design and manufacture of high-performance, custom-specified power supplies.

With decades of industry experience and a legacy of engineering excellence, we serve both commercial and defence markets with precision-built solutions tailored to exacting customer requirements. Our product range includes AC-DC and DC-DC converters, power modules, and ruggedised systems, designed to operate in the most demanding environments.

We work closely with clients from initial concept through to production, offering a full-service approach that includes design, prototyping, testing, and ongoing support. Our in-house expertise ensures compliance with industry standards and defence specifications, making us a trusted partner for critical applications. Committed to innovation, quality, and reliability, Power Device UK Ltd provides power in sectors where performance and dependability are essential. We take pride in delivering custom power solutions that meet the highest expectations.



8. Johnson Electric

We exist to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems

Johnson Electric – Parlex is a flexible electronics technology provider with printed electronics, flexible printed circuits and other, polymer film-based electronics capabilities. Our facility on the Isle of Wight drives the design and development of all new printed electronics products with high-end, prototyping capabilities in screen and digital printing, versatile LASER and cut processes, assembly, test, and material analysis. Our skills and expertise fuel our passion for deeper understanding of the physics of our design and materials allowing us to be at the forefront of product development, offering a world class, bespoke service, and bringing customers innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions.

With our global customer base, and our key strategic markets of Automotive and Industrial applications, our core products of HMI (Human Machine Interface), automotive exterior lighting, flexible heaters and BMSI (Battery Management Systems Interconnects) are widely used with customers such as Ferrari, Tesla, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, VW, and industrial clients such as Miele, B|S|H (Bosch & Siemens), Lavazza, Vorwerk, Ingenico and many more.



9. Island Careers Partnership

Dedicated to supporting young people on the Isle of Wight

Island Careers Partnership is a small charity that supports the Isle of Wight’s young people as they explore their future careers. We work in close collaboration with secondary schools, colleges, and local businesses to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Our aim is to actively support local professionals from industry and education. Together, we inspire and equip students with the vocational knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to make informed choices about their future. By fostering meaningful connections through tailored activities—such as employer encounters, workplace visits, and careers events—we forge strong links between education and the world of work.

ICP also supports schools in strengthening their careers programmes, providing practical guidance and opportunities that align with the Gatsby Benchmarks. By fostering strong partnerships between education and industry, we’re committed to helping young people on the Island build brighter futures and meet the evolving needs of our local economy.



10. Innovative Physics

Intelligent solutions to complex problems across multiple markets

Innovative Physics Ltd. (IPL) is an applied sciences company which evolves current technologies to provide novel solutions and deployment techniques. Core to IPL is an extensive patent portfolio in radiation visualisation, signal imaging and processing, sensor development, artificial intelligence and pattern recognition algorithms. Core capabilities include:

  • Detector Construction and ASIC Design (Crystal Characterisation, MaterialProcessing, Device Fabrication & ASIC Designs)
  • Modular Read Chains (FPGA IP Blocks, Embedded Firmware IP Blocks, Analogue Circuit Design & Digital Circuit Design)
  • High-level Software
  • Advanced, adaptive set of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithmic techniques, pattern recognition and machine learning
  • Custom, modular solid-state neutron detectors with high gamma rejection ratios for highly radioactive environments
  • Patented hybrid semiconductors with a wide dynamic range

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