Filtronic points to more contracts in the pipeline as expansion takes shape

Communications tech firm Filtronic says it is in advanced discussions for yet more contracts in the space, aerospace and defence markets.

The growing County Durham business - which has operations in Leeds - told investors it hopes to share news of new work soon and has also secured some smaller development contract wins in recent months. Bosses pointed to wins in the space market, coming on the back of recent investment in plastic encapsulation machinery at its Sedgefield base which followed encouragement by its lead defence customer.

Ahead of the firm's annual general meeting, Filtronic said its manufacturing output has ramped up and quality requirements are being met following a flurry of orders under its agreement with rocket and satellite giant SpaceX. The work has been to support the US firm's gateway link rollouts as it grows i