An Introduction to Lago Systems (Europe) Ltd Lago Systems (Europe) Ltd. was founded in 1994 to design and manufacture highly rugged disk drives, operating from premises in Thames Ditton, Surrey. Lago quickly established an enviable reputation as a leading supplier of rugged data storage devices of rotary electromagnetic design. Subsequently the company has also directed its expertise in rugged system design towards the development of other computer products for use in harsh environments; such as solid state drives and of course rugged portable computers. The company's products are now widely used in some of the most arduous conditions in airborne, naval and fighting vehicle applications. As well as its excellent product development track record, the company has also enjoyed significant commercial success. As a result of the demands of this success, the directors, in order to secure access to the funding and resources required to maintain the high rate of growth, reached an agreement in January 1998, to sell the business to MBM Technology Ltd. Lago and MBM had worked closely together since mid 1996. In March 1998, the business was relocated to MBM's Portslade site, near Brighton. At the end of June 1998 the acquisition was already proving successful with the team more than doubling in size, and half-year turnover already exceeding 85% of 1997 full year turnover. MBM has many years' experience as a supplier to the Ministry of Defence and the major prime aerospace contractors. Recent joint product developments between MBM and Lago, have included the innovative design and manufacture of telephone handsets and passenger control units for civilian airlines, and the company is now a leading supplier of this equipment. Lago Systems (Europe) Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MBM Technology Ltd. In 1997, MBM turned over £17.4m sales, generating a profit of over £1.5m. MBM Technology Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Morgan Crucible Company PLC. Morgan is a British based company, with its headquarters in Windsor. Morgan has earned a reputation for strong financial performance with a total turnover of approximately £900m, and operates through approximately 140 companies in 45 countries. FACILITIES The relocation of Lago to MBM's Portslade facility has given the company greater access than ever before to a wide range of design and manufacturing facilities. As well as providing a sound corporate infrastructure encompassing an ISO9001 quality system, this gives access to the latest generation business planning tools (MRPII), and excellent financial management including real time Shop Floor Data Collection (SFDC). Computer Aided Design Tools Some of the latest generation computer aided design tools are utilised by the Lago team: Full 3-D Solid Modelling CAD (Solidworks). Pathtrace CAM for generation of CNC and CMM programs. PROTEL Schematic electronic design and PCB layout. SPICE Electronic circuit simulation. Finite Element Analysis (Mechanical Stress). Finite Element Analysis (Electro-Magnetic Fields). Manufacturing Plant The manufacturing facilities at the Portslade site have benefited significantly by large scale investment in recent years, both in terms of providing an excellent working environment, and in terms of production plant. Facilities include: Shock and vibration test rig. Various climatic test chambers. 2 CNC Co-ordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and 1 Manual CMM. Precision machine shop with 5 CNC Multi-Axis Machining Centres, and 4 CNC Turn/Mill Centres all linked to Pathtrace CAM system. Cell based precision electro-mechanical assembly. Class K / J Clean room areas. Quality Management The company's Quality Assurance system has been approved to BS EN ISO 9001: 1994. At a recent surveillance visit (July 1998) the scope of approval was extended to include Lago activities, which now operate under the proven MBM Quality System since the relocation of Lago in March 1998.