Wilkes Iris, a fourth generation family business, was founded in 1884, and after more than a century of iris technology, provides an unparalleled range. From the entertainment and television markets to the scientific and fibre optics sectors, its irises have found many uses. One is fitted to a popular compact microscope whose low weight and size make it ideal for expeditions: it was included in both the first ascent of Everest and the first moon landings, and is now used by doctors in developing countries to diagnose the early stages of some diseases.
In more recent years a high percentage of output has moved to products associated with theatre, and concert lighting, disco/nightclub lights and precision products for applications such as architectural and gallery illumination. This has put the emphasis on sheet metalwork including many different coatings and finishes. To meet the demand, in addition to standard pressing and milling, expertise in fine blanking has been acquired, working in sheet from 3 thou' to 6mm, cut to "toolroom tolerances". It is this expanding sector that will benefit from the merger, say the company.
(Lee Baldock)
