Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

Sci-Tech site a sound move for audio firm

- BY OLIVER CLAY oliver.clay@trinitymir­ror.com @oliverclay­RWWN

AUDIO tech developer SoundChip has moved to bigger offices at SciTech Daresbury as it reported ‘strong appetite’ among consumers for its products.

SoundChip, whose headquarte­rs are in Switzerlan­d, develops technology for brands such as Panasonic, Philips, Harman, Audio Technica and RHA.

The company launched its technology centre at Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Vanguard House on Tuesday, December 12.

The facility will focus on the research and developmen­t of noise-cancelling products and technologi­es.

SoundChip has been based at Sci-Tech Daresbury since 2011, and has now expanded its office and laboratory presence threefold to more than 2400 sq ft.

Mark Donaldson, SoundChip chief executive, said: “We’re so pleased to be launching our base at Vanguard House as we continue to realise our potential in the UK market.

“We chose Sci-Tech Daresbury over alternativ­e locations because of its strong focus on supporting high technology, the knowledge and experience of its staff and the quality facilities.

“Basing our operations here supports the high-speed growth that we are currently experienci­ng for our technologi­es and solutions. ●

“Traditiona­lly, active noisecance­lling features have been locked into those flagship products on the high street.

“However, this technology is now permeating into more mainstream value models, which means that there are a greater number of products available on the market.

“This is a wave that we’ve been preparing for and in order to deliver this, we need to have a strong team of electro-acoustic engineers that are kitted out with the most sophistica­ted equipment and have the capacity and facilities to do that work to scale.

“We recognise that our customers value that offering and this capability is what sets SoundChip apart from its competitor­s.”

Sci-Tech Daresbury is a private-public joint-venture partnershi­p between developer Langtree, the Science And Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Halton Borough Council.

Jayne Furnival, Langtree group property director, said: “We are delighted that SoundChip has expanded its operations at Vanguard House, a facility designed specifical­ly for companies that are looking to grow and develop their business offering. They are part of a growing group of around 20 internatio­nal companies that have establishe­d a strategic base at Sci-Tech Daresbury to take advantage of business and technology collaborat­ions in the UK and Europe.

“SoundChip is a very forward thinking and innovative company that offers its customers unique expertise and a hands-on approach and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationsh­ip and supporting the company as it grows and continues to lead the way in this sector.”

 ?? ?? SoundChip has officially opened its new office space at Sci-Tech Daresbury. Pictured is the SoundChip lab. Inset, Mark Donaldson
SoundChip has officially opened its new office space at Sci-Tech Daresbury. Pictured is the SoundChip lab. Inset, Mark Donaldson
 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom