Peratech buys technology business

PERATECH, the company which has developed 'intelligent textiles' used in electronic products and the robotics industry, has acquired a Guernsey-based company which went into administration.

Eleksen, which has been bought by Yorkshire-based Peratech from administrators Deloitte, has developed a range of textile fabric sensors which are used in the manufacture of clothing and in electronic products.

The company's systems have been used for controlling devices including the Apple iPod and mobile phones.

Peratech, based in Brompton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire, has developed a system called Quantum Tunnelling Composites (QTC). QTC's are electro-active polymeric materials which enable the action of 'a touch' to be translated into an electrical reaction, enabling devices to incorporate very thin touch and pressure sensors.

QTC materials have been used by NASA and government agencies across the world.

Philip Taysom, joint chief executive of Peratech, said: “We are delighted to have completed this acquisition – and are very pleased that we can continue to develop products, services and technologies in this rapidly expanding market space”.

Eleksen's ElekTex technology, which enables touch screens to be incorporated into clothing, is used in applications ranging from wearable electronic controls for consumer electricals and industrial clothing to space suits.