Welsh Cabinet Secretary Visits Comtek Network Systems to See Innovation and Sustainability in Action
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates MS, made a visit to Comtek Network Systems (UK) Ltd in Deeside, North Wales. The visit was to gain a better understanding of how the company is repairing and extending the life of critical roadside and telecoms infrastructure, as well as investing in new research and development in collaboration with Bangor University and Sorrento Networks.
Upon arrival at Comtek’s headquarters, Mr. Skates was greeted by Askar Sheibani, CEO of Comtek Network Systems (UK) Ltd and Chair of the Deeside Business Forum. He was given a tour of the company’s advanced repair and refurbishment facilities, where engineers work to restore and reuse critical telecoms and roadside systems used across the UK’s transport and communications networks.
These sustainable repair and reuse services not only help extend the lifespan of equipment, but also reduce electronic waste and improve network reliability. This ensures that vital transport and telecoms infrastructure remains resilient, efficient, and cost-effective.
Partnership Driving Fibre Optic Innovation
One of Comtek’s major investments in innovation is through a partnership with Bangor University and Sorrento Networks, which is part of the Comtek Group and the UK’s only manufacturer of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) equipment. Together, the partners are paving the way for new fibre optic research that utilizes Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) to detect faults in real-time along road networks.
This technology is able to identify potential issues before they become serious, which can greatly improve road safety, reduce disruption, and support smarter transport systems not just in Wales, but all across the UK.
Bangor University’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor Paul Spencer, expressed his excitement about this collaboration, stating, “The ability of distributed fibre optic sensing to provide real-time, high precision, cost-effective monitoring of key transport, communication, and utility networks has significant potential benefits for society.” He also highlighted the potential economic benefits, such as job creation, in North Wales.
Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, was also impressed by the innovative work being done at Comtek. He stated, “It was great to visit Comtek and see the excellent and pioneering work which is taking place here. It’s good to see this innovative engineering technology here in North Wales, and its potential impact on the transport network in particular.”
Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
Comtek’s CEO, Mr. Sheibani, spoke about the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability, stating, “At Comtek, we are investing significantly in research and development – both in advanced repair techniques and in new technologies that enhance the performance and reliability of critical infrastructure.” He also mentioned that the company has invested over £2 million into R&D projects that benefit both public sector organizations and private network operators.
By combining innovative repair capabilities with fibre-based monitoring and diagnostic technology, Comtek is able to help its partners reduce environmental impact, cut electronic waste, and lower long-term costs. This approach supports both the circular economy and the transition towards greener, smarter, and more cost-efficient networks.
The visit by the Welsh Cabinet Secretary highlighted the strength of North Wales as a center for technology, research, and advanced engineering. It showcased how businesses, academia, and government can work together to deliver real benefits for the economy, the environment, and the community.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.