1955
UQG Optics founded by Charles Biggs to fabricate plano optical windows in Cambridge after working at Gooch and Housego in Illminster, Somerset.
History
UQG Optics was founded in 1955 by Charles Biggs as The Universal Quartz Grinding Company in Shelford, near the university city of Cambridge. Charles had developed his skills while working on lapping and polishing of quartz crystals for aircraft communication during World War II.
Timeline
UQG Optics is an independent UK specialist supplying custom-made and stock optical components for R&D, batch runs and full OEM production. With in-house manufacturing and a trusted global supply network, we deliver high-quality, competitively priced optics you can rely on.
We will update this timeline as new milestones, events and opportunities are confirmed.
1962
Charles is joined by his son Colin Biggs in partnership to expand range of optical products.
1970
Further growth prompts another move to new factory and offices near Cambridge Science Park.
1970
Following rapid growth UQG Optics recruits Ray Harris as production manager.
1974
UQG Optics invests in new optical fabrication machines and a quality control processes.
1975
UQG Optics expands and moves to new premises near Cambridge.
1988
Kelvin Biggs becomes third generation of the family to join the business.
1993
Reorganisation of factory with 2 Meyer Burger slicing machines.
1997
To meet growing demand, UQG invests £250K in Somos optical polishing machines and lapping.
2014
Further investments in new optical technology position UQG to meet growing global demand.
2015
Another milestone reached with the firm’s 60th year of continuous business.
2016
A 100k investment into test equipment including an interferometer with Trioptics µShape™ software.
2017
New assembly clean room built for optical component assembly.
2018
A new dicing machine to increase the dicing capacity to 300mm diameter.
2018
Upgrade to ISO 9001:2015
2019
We’re pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website, showcasing all our products, materials and services for 2020 and on.
2020
UQG embarks on international expansion strategy planning a redevelopment to expand the premises which includes a new inspection office and test room which will allow to double their capacity for the future supply.
2025
Celebrating 70 Years of Innovation in Optics. Thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone.
To begin with, Charles Biggs focused his business around the local scientific and university community, fabricating single and double-sided plano optical windows and substrates to laboratories and manufacturers.
Seven years later in 1962, Charles was joined in the business by his son Colin Biggs. Together they formed a partnership to expand their range of optical materials and glass products.
After a period of solid growth, the company – now renamed UQG Optics – recruited its first sales and production manager in Ray Harris, who joined in 1974. By now the newly enlarged team needed more space and moved to new premises in Comberton, Cambridge.
Further success followed and in 1980 UQG Optics moved once again to a new factory and offices near Cambridge Science Park, investing in new optical fabrication machines and a quality control department.
In 1988, Kelvin Biggs became the third generation of the family to join the business, gaining experience in optical engineering and production. He is now the Sales & Managing Director.
Throughout the 1990’s production grew at a steady pace. UQG invested £250,000 in new highspeed optical polishing, lapping and cutting technology.
In 2005 the business celebrated 50 years of supplying quality optical components to science and industry, achieving ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2010.
Further investments in new machines followed to increase production and keep up with growing demand from around the world.
In 2015 another milestone was reached with the firm’s 60th anniversary, and UQG continues to be a leading UK manufacturer at the forefront of high quality precision optical components for science, research and industry.
Suppliers of Custom and Stock Optics
Over 70 Years Experience and Expertise in Optics
International Shipping Available
Talk to the Optics Experts
If you cannot find what you are looking for then contact UQG
+44 (0) 1223 420329