Launched in 1996 by founding partners Mark Slater, Karl Baier, Shane Atherstone, and Steve Haines, the Woodford Halse, Northamptonshire-based business initially manufactured a small range of premium curing lamps.
The company said it now offers “the largest portfolio of UV lamps and accessories across the globe”, with more than 20,000 different UV lamp types.
Its products include original and replacement UV lamps for a wide range of OEMs and end users, as well as infrared lamps, reflectors, and UV system accessories, typically for UV printing, curing, and bonding.
Alpha-Cure also has a dedicated UV disinfection arm, Alpha-Purify, which sells UV disinfection lamps and equipment that can help protect people against harmful viruses like Covid-19.
Co-founder Steve Haines told Printweek: “When we started in 1996, we were predominantly a print supply-based company. However, after 25 years we now specialise in so many different industries as UV technology is constantly growing into different sectors.
“The industries that are using UV printing are diversifying, and new techniques and systems have widened the market to include plastic and metal packaging such as shampoo bottles and canned drinks.
“Other industries include automotive and furniture manufacturing where UV finishing is applied to components and products to protect against dirt, spills, and everyday wear and tear.
“UV bonding is used in the electronics industry for sealing LCD and touch screens, and during the manufacturing of printed circuit boards against moisture, dust, and help to increase the dielectric strength between conductors, enabling the design of the PCB to be more compact.
“The healthcare industry is adopting more UV disinfection to their cleaning and sanitation applications.”
He added: “We have seen sales increase during the pandemic as people undertake more thorough cleaning and disinfection methods in their homes and businesses. Plus, a lot of the printing industry has continued throughout Covid, for example printing food packaging.”
Haines attributed the company’s long-term success to its large online lamp portfolio and continued product development.
“The life of the UV lamp has increased with new technology we’ve brought to the market over 25 years. Our dedicated technical department continue to design new innovating UV lamps and accessories, enabling us to be market leaders in UV lamp technology.”
Alpha-Cure employs around 250 staff between its factories in the UK and China, and sales offices in France, Germany, and Australia. Its products are sold globally via its worldwide distribution network.
To mark its 25th birthday, the company is planning a big party in July for its UK staff at a local venue.
“It will be a big celebration with food and music, and surprises to make sure that everyone will have a great time. Our colleagues in our factory in China will be holding parallel celebrations as well,” said Haines.
“We sent a thank you mailer to our customers and a blog to announce our anniversary; 25 years is a fantastic milestone for us.”
