Accountant

Mayor helps break ground on international company's Ely expansion. Construction & Property30 April 2026 Thorlabs, an international company at the forefront of advanced manufacturing in the region, has marked the start of a major expansion of its facility in Ely with a visit from the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow. Based at Lancaster Way Business Park, a growing hub for industry, investment and employment, Thorlabs broke ground to create an extension representing an approximate 60% increase of its existing manufacturing space. The US-owned leader in photonics technologies will add 70,000 sq ft of additional floorspace, on top of its existing 110,000 sq ft, to support its continued growth in Ely. It has been based in the city for 25 years and currently employs 350 people. The new facility will support the manufacture of motion control systems, optical tables, and laboratory infrastructure products. These technologies enable innovation across the rapidly growing photonics sector, with customers based in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as well as globally. More than 90 businesses with more than 2,200 employees work from the Lancaster Way business park and it is part of the Cambridge Compass Enterprise Zone which is creating a globally competitive cluster of innovative industry. Thorlabs's expansion highlights the strength of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as a destination for international investment and underlines the region's role as a powerhouse in technology and innovation, including in advanced manufacturing, which is central to the Combined Authority's Local Growth Plan (LGP). The LGP contains a Mayoral ambition to triple the size of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy by 2050. The Combined Authority is working with other key industry sectors in the region to support growth and attract inward investment nationally and internationally. Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, said: "Seeing international businesses like Thorlabs choosing to invest and expand in Ely is a real vote of confidence in our region and its economy. "High-tech industry and advanced manufacturing will drive our future growth. Our Local Growth Plan sets out my ambition to triple the economy and create more high-quality jobs. This is a great example of what that looks like in practice. "We want Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to be a place where businesses can start, grow and invest with confidence. We're working with our key industries to create opportunities for local people and deliver strong economic growth for our future." Speaking at the event, General Manager Keith Dhese said: "Today's groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for Thorlabs in Ely. This expansion reflects both the strength of our business and our confidence in the future of advanced manufacturing in the UK. By increasing our capacity by around 60%, we are ensuring we can continue to meet growing global demand while investing in innovation, people, and the local economy." Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "We are delighted that such an influential company as Thorlabs has chosen to expand their business here in East Cambridgeshire. "Our excellent transport links, access to a highly skilled workforce and enterprise zone investment create the perfect synergy for any business looking to achieve success. East Cambs is a great place to live, work and do business and we continue to play a vital role in the economic success of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area, as demonstrated by Thorlabs's continued commitment to the area." Harvey Bibby, Marketing and Development Director at Grovemere Property said: "We are thrilled to see Thorlabs continued expansion here at Lancaster Way Business Park. Thorlabs have recently secured a further 4 acres of development land here to future proof their next 5-10 year business growth plan for Europe. We will continue to work closely with Thorlabs to keep pace with the business growth aspirations."

Thorlabs champions Young Business Person of the Year at the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2026. Eventsandpr is excited to announce that Thorlabs is a Gold Sponsor for the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2026. Thorlabs is proud to sponsor the Young Business Person of the Year award, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. By backing this award, Thorlabs recognises the dedication, creativity, and leadership shown by young professionals who are making a positive impact in the business world. The sponsorship reflects the company's commitment to encouraging emerging talent and celebrating the achievements of future business leaders. Representing Thorlabs on the judging panel will be: * Dr Heather Booth, Senior Operations Manager * Steve Sims, Engineering Manager Serving as judges for the awards, Dr Heather and Steve recognise that exceptional business leaders are defined by more than just commercial success. They believe outstanding leaders demonstrate clear vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire others while guiding their organisations through growth and change. About Thorlabs Thorlabs is a leading designer and manufacturer of photonics equipment for research, manufacturing, and biomedical applications. Founded in 1989, Thorlabs is headquartered in Newton, New Jersey and has manufacturing and sales offices in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Sweden, Japan, China, and Brazil. As a vertically integrated company Eventsandpr design, develop, and manufacture its product portfolio of over 20,000 items.