A SHIPLEY-based firm is looking to expand its workforce by 40 per cent over the next six months after it secured a space satellite programme order.

Teledyne Defence & Space (TDS), based in Airedale House, will manufacture more than 5,000 filters and diplexers to support a space payload application for a large satellite programme.

A diplexer allows two different devices to share a common communications channel.

Diplexers are typically used with radio receivers or transmitters on different, widely separated, frequency bands.

The company, which was formerly known as Teledyne Defence until changing its name last year, was originally set up in 1977 and has 145 employees.

Teledyne is now working with institutions including Bradford College and the University of Bradford to recruit more manufacturers and engineers to its ranks from the Bradford district. It is also looking to sign up more experienced staff members.

TDS is a business unit of Teledyne Microwave Solutions (TMS), a global provider of advanced radio frequency and microwave solutions.

Bosses at the firm also confirmed its commitment to stay and expand their business in Shipley.

Ian Skiggs, general manager of TDS, was unable to give specific details of the contract but said it would be up and running by the first three months of next year.

He said: “We are, of course, thrilled to be in a position to be selected as the first choice to fulfil the large and demanding production requirements of this programme.

“We want to do the design and development schemes we need to do in this area.

“For the past year, TDS has been investing heavily in both capital projects and staffing to meet and exceed the expectations of our space-based customers.

“The contract is not a one-off demand, it is part of sustained plans.

“Internally, our ability to bulk-produce complex filters, diplexers, channelisers and more at the most competitive pricing has been key to our growing success in the space market.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies will visit the firm on Friday, July 14, to discuss the firm’s growth in the space market and its plans to support local job opportunities.