Oxford Instruments, the world's leading supplier of superconducting materials, has been selected to supply 58 tons of superconducting wire to ITER at a value in excess of Pounds 30 million. ITER is a joint international research and development project seeking alternative energy through fusion power and is one of the largest scientific projects ever undertaken. This order, which is subject to contract, has been agreed by 'Fusion for Energy,' the European procurement agency for ITER based in Barcelona*.


The first deliveries will be toward the end of the current financial year and the effect on this year's trading is expected to be modest. Deliveries will be phased over the next three years. The wire will be supplied by Oxford Superconducting Technology, USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxford Instruments.

Opportunities exist for further supplies of superconducting wire to other procurement agencies of the ITER program.

Oxford Instruments has been named as one of the 30 British companies on the FTSE Environmental Opportunities Index, and its tools are being used for the development of alternative energy, research into climate change and environmental pollution.


This year, Oxford Instruments also reaches a unique milestone in its history, celebrating 50 years of continuous commitment to science and innovation. Founders Sir Martin and Lady Wood celebrated along with the company at an evening at Highclere Castle, near Newbury, England, home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Guests were treated to an English afternoon tea before listening to a number of speeches celebrating the world of science and Oxford Instruments. Speakers included Sir David King, Director of the Environment and Enterprise, Oxford University; Sir Mike Brady, Professor of Information Engineering, Oxford University; and Dr. Peter Wrighton Smith, Chief Executive Oxford Immunotec Ltd.

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