Kromek praised by Trade Secretary Liz Truss during NETPark visit

A technology firm’s work to help thwart global terror plots has been praised by a senior Government minister.

Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss championed Kromek during a visit to the company’s County Durham headquarters.

The business is known for its flagship D3S family of products, which can identify terror threats such as ‘dirty bombs,’ and was held up by Ms Truss as a key example of Britain’s position as a “global leader in developing cutting-edge products.”

The business, which has customers in more than 40 territories worldwide, previously announced an expansion of its North East base at Sedgefield’s NETPark to bolster production of cadmium zinc telluride – a semiconductor key to its apparatus.

During her visit, Ms Truss was given an overview of Kromek’s radiation detection products and its work with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) – an agency of the US Department of Defense.

She also heard how Kromek, as a former spin-out from Durham University’s physics department, was able to highlight how exciting new technologies being developed at the university are reaching commercial markets all over the world.

“The UK is a global leader in developing cutting-edge products and exporting them around the world,” said Ms Truss.

“Kromek’s radiation detection technology is a fine example of this and it was fascinating to see how the company is keeping people safe around the world.

“I want to open up trading opportunities for businesses of all sizes across the North East of England.

“Free trade agreements will help deliver more investment, more jobs and more opportunities for people in every corner of the UK.”

Dr Arnab Basu, Kromek chief executive, added: “It was a great honour to welcome the Secretary of State and demonstrate the leading role our radiation detection products play in keeping people safe around the world.

“As a company active in multiple global markets, we are grateful for the support of the Department for International Trade and proud to be a UK Export Champion.”