A heritage of precision engineering
Instro can trace our historical roots back to 1964 when it started operations for the UK MoD as a precision engineering contract manufacturer. Today, that heritage of precision engineering and rugged design is at the core of our products which are fielded in more than 50 countries.
Instro manufacture and supply an extensive range of cutting edge precision technology directly to end users, OEMs as part of a larger system, and offer a comprehensive capability as a prime supplier.
Countries
Instro's world class products & technology are fielded across the globe.
Engineers & Experts
Our team of over 100 highly skilled engineers and end user experts are the engine behind Instro's precision.
Years Experience
A proven reputation as a leading system integrator for major electro optic OEMs.
Six decades of innovation
From a garage in Tunbridge Wells to a state of the art Centre of Excellence, a timeline of Instro's milestones.
1960
Founded by David Parsons in his garage in Tunbridge Wells, trading under Phyall Products Limited.
1964
Incorporated as Instro Precision Limited.
1970
Tallboy Tripod won into major contracts.
1976
Instro's first Optical Viking was invented.
1987
Company moved to Broadstairs.
1991
Optical Norseman designed.
1992
The first Motorised Pan & Tilt Heads were developed.
1999
The Viking 2000 sold, one of our top sellers to this day.
2001
The Mini Pan & Tilt Fine Adjust was designed and became a best seller.
2006
First prototype of the Remote Observation System (ROS) designed.
2019
Move to the new state of the art site in Sandwich, Kent.
2021
Secured the Night Vision Goggle Enhanced (NVG-E) contract to deliver more than 5,000 NV33 systems to the UK MoD.
Our Mission
To be the employer of choice, delivering cutting edge high-value solutions to our customers through technical and business excellence.
Our Vision
To be the leading UK supplier of ISTAR & CUAS products and solutions.
In house design & manufacturing
Engineering, manufacturing and quality disciplines under one roof, the foundation of Instro's continuing growth.
Instro engineering capabilities encompass the key disciplines we need to support and drive Instro's continuing growth. Core to these is a deep understanding of accurate angle measurement technologies and methods, fundamental to our digital goniometer and motorised head product lines.
- Analogue and digital circuit design using microprocessors and FPGAs
- Embedded and application software including digital video and map display
- Solar, celestial, magnetic and earth rate north finding technologies
- Precision mechanical design delivering ruggedness and minimum SWAP
- Servo systems for precise control of sensor line of sight
- Systems engineering and integration to deliver complete solutions
3,100m²
State of the art facility
Located in Sandwich, Kent, with 2,200m² of dedicated manufacturing and test area.
Class 7 & 8
Clean rooms
Purpose built clean rooms for optics assembly and camera maintenance.
50+
Countries fielded
Capability trusted and deployed by customers around the world.
Highly skilled, end user experts
Our team of over 100 highly skilled engineers and end user experts is the engine behind Instro's precision. Customer and R&D projects are managed by project managers who draw upon the company's whole range of skills to deliver high performance, cost effective solutions.
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Skilled employees
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Years of expertise
We recognise the systems and capabilities we produce are used in some of the most demanding and hostile environments in the world, and our people rise to that responsibility every day.
Core values
Accountability
We own our commitments and take responsibility for every outcome.
Team Work
Collaboration across disciplines is how we solve the hardest problems.
Excellence
Technical and business excellence in everything we engineer and deliver.
Commitment to Customers
Our customers’ missions drive every decision we make.
Innovation & Creativity
We challenge the norm to create cutting edge, high-value solutions.
Outcome & Objective Focused
Focused on results that make a real difference in the field.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Reference POL 033
Instro Precision is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in its business and supply chain. Our full statement, POL 033, sets out the steps we take to identify and mitigate risk across our operations and suppliers.
Trusted with the world's most critical projects
Talk to our engineering team about your requirement. From bespoke design to through life support, Instro delivers precision you can depend on.