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Zircotec is a high temperature coating and heat barrier manufacturer, based in Abingdon near Oxford, England. It uses plasma-sprayed ceramic materials to provide thermal and abrasive resistance to components – with a focus on automotive exhaust systems. Its best-known products include coloured thermal barrier coatings and Zircoflex – a flexible ceramic heatshield.
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| Company type | Limited company |
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| Headquarters | , |
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Number of employees | 50–100 |
1960–2003: Development at UKAEA
Zircotec began life as part of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, where its high temperature coatings and heat barrier processes were originally developed for the nuclear industry. It was based at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment near Harwell, Oxfordshire. At the time, this was the main centre for atomic energy research and development in the United Kingdom.[1]
In 1994, Zircotec's thermal barrier coatings were first used in a motorsport application. These coatings were applied to the exhaust systems of Subaru rally cars to lower in-cabin temperatures. After initial success, these high temperature coatings were then used on a variety of other vehicles, including Formula One cars and trucks.
2003–2009: Foundation of Zircotec
Zircotec was bought by a venture capital fund in 2003. Subsequently, Zircotec shifted its focus from the nuclear industry, towards general industry and automotive applications. As a result, Zircotec developed Thermohold coatings for high performance automotive and classic car applications. Their main Thermohold coating was called Performance White, a white dual-layer plasma-sprayed ceramic.
In July 2007, Terry Graham was appointed as the new managing director.[2] Later that year, high performance sportscar manufacturer Koenigsegg announced it would be using Zircotec coatings on its CCX supercar.[3] Additionally, in October, Zircotec became involved in the world land speed steam-car record attempt, supplying its coatings for thermal protection of sensitive components – this attempt was successful a year later.[4][5]
In June 2008, Zircotec developed a plasma-sprayed ceramic coating specifically for composite materials. Predominantly aimed at motorsport and high-performance car applications, coated composites could now function at temperatures above their melting points.[6]
In September 2008, Zircotec launched its Performance Colours range. This range is based on Zircotec's Performance White coating, but has an additional coloured finish, offering a more robust and maintainable finish. Zircotec initially released thirteen different colours, with plans to increase this variety over the next few years.
2009–2019: Management buyout
Zircotec's directors completed a management buyout early in 2009.[7]
In 2010, the company's headquarters were relocated to the nearby town of Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The move was completed to provide increased production capacity and to accommodate future business growth.[8]
In 2011, Zircotec developed the world's first flexible ceramic heatshield, named Zircoflex.[citation needed]
In July 2019, Zircotec experienced a fire at its premises and temporarily relocated to a nearby facility.[9]
2019–present: Expansion
Zircotec announced an investment of £2.5m into a new 20,000 square foot premises in Abingdon which was completed by October 2019. This offers a ten-fold increase in capacity with a significant increase in workforce[10]
In March 2021, the release of a new heatshield product – ZircoFlex SHIELD – was announced.[11]
In June 2022, Zircotec procured a further 10,000 square foot building which will be dedicated to producing technology for low and zero carbon vehicles.[12]
Zircotec works closely with motorsport teams from various categories, including Formula One, the British Touring Car Championship and NASCAR. Since 2018, Zircotec has maintained a technical partnership with Power Maxed Racing.[13]
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