Filtronic, a Shipley-based firm which designs and manufactures microwave electronics products, has selected Quintel USA as its exclusive distributor in North America.

The deal will see Filtronic antenna products supplied to a range of US mobile network operators.

Aside from the distribution agreement, Filtronic also signed a memorandum of understanding with Quintel’s parent company, Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corporation, under which the two firms have identified areas of cooperation from product co-development to manufacturing.

US firm Quintel is a well-established designer and manufacturer of innovative antennas and has built a strong sales channel in North America.

Rob Smith, Filtronic’s CEO said: “This distribution agreement is an excellent opportunity for Filtronic to gain greater traction in the US market. We are delighted to be working with Quintel and we believe that we complement each other very well. We are looking forward to working together in other areas and have already identified some interesting product co-development opportunities. Cirtek is a company that we have known for many years, their reputation for high-quality micro-electronics assembly, that includes mmWave capability, makes them an ideal marketing partner.”

JoJo Dispo, Quintel’s CEO and Cirtek board member, added: “The co-operation will augur well for both groups due to clear symbiotic business objectives as Filtronic can leverage on Quintel’s extensive organic sales force supported by a strong sales representative organisation covering entire US markets for the distribution of its products and for Quintel, the Filtronic products will strategically complement its existing products menu for Tier 1 MNOs in North America. There is also a strong potential to elevate further this co-operation into a higher level of business collaboration in future.”