TRL goes State-side

 has broken into the international market for electronic counter measures (ECM) equipment with its first US order.

The defence electronics group, which specialises in surveillance, monitoring and counter measures in satellite and radio communications, said the growth of international terrorism and an increased focus on security has driven demand for products providing tactical situational awareness.

In the six months to 30 September, TRL’s turnover increased by 38 per cent to £14.1m, and operating profit was up 82 per cent to £2m. During this period, the company won its first US contract worth £4.5m for the supply of ECM products.

The agreement is with Argon ST, a prime contractor for the US government. The equipment will be used by the US Army and Marine Corps.

Deliveries of ECM equipment to other overseas customers and the MoD also increased.

TRL’s technology and innovation division, which supplies ECM technology, has seen strong growth. Its turnover is now £7.8m, a 160 per cent rise compared to the 2004 figure of £3m. The company has taken on 30 new staff to cope with the expansion. It also more than doubled its spending on R&D to £1.4m.