Headquartered in Holzkirchen (near Munich), Germany, and comprised of four operating divisions—Satellite Communication, Navigation Simulators, Defense Electronics, and Sensors and Measurement—WORK Microwave leverages over 30 years of experience to anticipate market needs and apply an innovative and creative approach to the development of frequency converters, DVB-S2/S2X equipment, and other digital signal processing technologies while maintaining the highest standards for quality, reliability, and performance.
The company has been enjoying double digit growth in the last few years, achieving one of its best years in 2019 where it reached 25% growth in turnover.
Among the highlights of 2019 for the company was the successful delivery of V-Band converters for the first commercial V-Band project worldwide. The company also saw demand for its wideband modems pick up last year.
Major contracts have also been signed including the supply of new compact dual Ka-Band converters for SES’ O3B mPower MEO constellation. Delivery will take place in the second quarter of this year. The very compact design of the dual Ka-Band converters is especially suited for the small antenna hubs of the new Non-GEO satcom constellations operating in the 27.5 to 30 GHz range. The very compact converter module will be displayed during the Satellite show at Washington, D.C. this month at the WORK Microwave booth (#2009).
Dr. Thomas Fröhlich, CEO of WORK Microwave, who has led the company through four years of continued growth sees some headwinds this
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| Dr. Thomas Fröhlich |
year in sustaining the same level of growth in the years prior. “As with many other companies, we observe a rather calm satcom market overall in the beginning of 2020. However, we are optimistic for the future and we see WORK Microwave well prepared for sustained presence in the traditional GEO satcom market as well as for the new non-GEO (LEO and MEO) constellation business.” said Fröhlich.
The company has adopted a strategy of preparing for the future by developing cutting edge products which can be used for various applications and vertical markets and new technologies such as virtualization, “RFoIP”, cloud processing, Artificial Intelligence, among others. “We try to support our customers in their technological orientation process by jointly identifying and developing optimized system solutions,” said Fröhlich.
WORK Microwave is also investing in R&D efforts in optical technology for Satcom or Earth observation business such as optical base band or intermediate frequency connectivity in ground installations, and modem development for optical earth stations (laser space to ground communication).
Fröhlich is very bullish in their other business segments such as Defense Electronics which is growing. They see increasing demand and growth in military radar systems, to give an example. 2020 will also see the launch of WORK Microwave’s Navigation system simulator product. So, even with the uncertainties facing the satellite communications segment, WORK Microwave is confident that it can fall back on its other business segments should the satellite market face more challenges.
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