Southampton-based SPI Lasers is celebrating its 20th year in business. Back in 2000, Southampton Photonics Inc (as it was originally known) was formed as a spin-out from Southampton University’s Optoelectronics Research Centre, initially specialising in fibre-optical components for the telecommunications industry but going on to develop both pulsed and continuous-wave fibre lasers (www.spilasers.com).

Over the last 20 years, the 50,000-plus laser units made by SPI have been involved in producing a wide range of everyday devices from some of the world’s leading brands — all from lasers manufactured at its UK facilities in Southampton and Rugby.

Mark Greenwood, SPI Lasers’ CEO, said: “It has taken dedication and commitment to become a leader in the design and manufacture of some of the world’s finest fibre lasers, none of which would have been possible without being able to bring together some of the most creative and brightest minds in the business.

“Our ethos of encouraging sharing and learning has resulted in some fantastic developments, and we have had a lot of fun along the way.

“I for one am looking forward to what developments the next 20 years will bring.”

Since 2008, SPI Lasers has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trumpf Group.