Warwick Audio Technologies appoints Engineering Manager

An engineer who has worked on projects as diverse as weapons guidance systems and tin can manufacture is now turning his talents to bringing the next generation of audio speakers to market.

David Hoare has taken on the challenge of becoming Engineering Manager at Warwick Audio Technologies Ltd, a University of Warwick spin-out company developing flat, flexible loudspeakers.

He joins the company at an exciting time, as WAT is moving towards commercialising technology which has been in research for several years. The company is pioneering thin-film, flexible, ultra lightweight loudspeakers that are less than 0.25mm thick and can be used anywhere where space and weight are at a premium.

The sound produced by the speakers has a unique directional quality, which makes it extremely clear and ideal for places such as passenger terminals.

“This is a great product, with lots of potential,” said David. “These speakers could be used in car interiors, concealed in ceiling tiles or used in advertising panels or public address systems. We are currently talking to several large manufacturers who are interested in incorporating the technology into their products.”

He added: “My role is to help focus on our key markets and make sure that the best materials and construction methods are used to maximise the potential of this technology.”

Steve Couchman, CEO of WAT, says: “We warmly welcome David to Warwick Audio Technologies. His expertise will be a great asset in driving the company forwards.”

Before joining us, David enjoyed a varied career, starting with Marconi, where he designed electronic control and guidance systems for underwater weapons. In a later move to Worcestershire, he landed a job with Metal Box Engineering, where he brought about a step change in the quality assurance of tin can manufacture.

“The can welding machines, used internationally, were manufactured by Soudronic AG. These machines were producing up to 600 cans per minute, but only a handful of these would be checked by QA,” he explains. “I managed the development of electronic equipment that monitored every individual spot weld in the side seam of every can. It could identify problems and inconsistencies within the seam and reject failures immediately at point ofmanufacture. This was adopted by can manufacturers all over the world and subsequently became an integral part of the systems produced by Soudronic AG.”

Other career highlights have included a five year spell working for Klark Teknik Group where, as Technical Director, his work, designing professional audio equipment for live performances, helped turnaround the company’s fortunes. More recently, David has managed the development of innovative radio frequency identification (RFiD) equipment and tags with sector leaders Intellident Ltd., a technology now widely used in department stores and supply chain for stock monitoring and control.

Photographs of David Hoare are available.

Please contact Beck Lockwood on 0121 451 1321.

For further information, please contact:

1. BeckLockwood, Campuspr Midlands Ltd. Tel:0121 451 1321; mobile: 07783 802318; email: beck@campusprmidlands.co.uk