  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
About Us
Brief History
Spectra is one of the oldest information display manufacturers in the UK. The company was originally formed in the late 1960’s and traded as Spectra-Tek. During this period LED and Gas Plasma displays were in their infancies and Spectra-Tek became a pioneer in the development of related numeric driver systems, including the design of semiconductors such as the gas plasma driver IC the “8880” that is still in use. The high cost of these display technologies restricted the marketplace to large and heavy industries such as mining, automotive, pharmaceuticals, offshore drilling and oil refineries. Spectra-Tek continued to grow into these specialist markets by introducing standard products based on its modular display technologies. By the late 1970’s Spectra-Tek had moved its focus towards intrinsically safe instruments for which it became a world leader.
In 1981 a group of engineers working for Laser Scan (digital mapping technologies) on the Cambridge Science Park, set up a new company to develop mobile telemetry systems and vehicle tracking technologies. This new company, Spectronics Micro Systems (SMS), acquired the displays division of Spectra-Tek in order to fund the development of its pioneering mobile data systems, for which it held several patents. Despite the displays division being solely acquired to fund research in mobile data, a team of engineers was employed to continue the development of the display systems.
Spectra's Managing Director joined this team in 1982 to oversee the displays division in its entirety. In 1982 the team developed one of the first commercially viable alphanumeric, full dot matrix, LED display systems. This was the first modular dot matrix system to be produced and enabled SMS to construct extremely reliable, robust information systems entirely to their clients specifications. These state of the art systems opened the door to new market places including smaller scale manufacturing, public transport and corporate businesses. By 1989 SMS had won several large contracts for its radio telemetry systems and was able to fund itself without the need for the displays division.
Spectra Displays Ltd was formed in 1989 by acquiring the displays division of SMS. Since then the company has continued to build on its success by embracing new technologies, developing new display systems and forging relationships with industry partners to provide a comprehensive portfolio of quality information and display systems. In recent years we have taken our skill and expertise into the lighter industries and public information markets. Despite the more forgiving environments we still maintain the same very high standards of design and manufacture, guaranteeing our clients of a quality, reliable product. Our products are designed to last!
Our Aims
Spectra’s aim is to exceed the highest display industry standards in pursuit of meeting the needs and expectations of its clients from point of contact, through delivery and beyond.
To achieve our aims, Spectra is committed at all levels in the organisation to ensure staff have the necessary freedom of action and authority to prevent non-conformities, providing the working environment and adequate resource to implement and improve operational excellence.
Through organic growth and strategic planning, Spectra strives to grow and provide solutions to an ever evolving market place, whilst maintaining the highest quality of products, service and support.
Company Information
| Company Name: | Spectra Displays Ltd |
| Place of registration: | Cardiff |
| Company Registration Number: | 2428206 |
| Company Registered Office: | 194 Station Road, Willingham, Cambridge, CB24 5HQ, United Kingdom |
All other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners and no trademark right to these names is claimed.