CONSUMERS’ ceaseless clamour for mobile phone coverage has helped a technology firm rebound into profit.

Filtronic says stronger demand for its products has reversed operating losses.

The company, based on NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, is known for making and supplying antennas and e-band transceivers, which increase mobile phone masts’ performances and the amount of data networks can carry.

Last year, the business was forced to shed a handful of jobs after delays to product introductions hit revenues.

However, bosses always said they were committed to reviving its fortunes and previously told The Northern Echo it was primed for growth, highlighting the promise of the 4G network, which has helped launch gaming crazes such as Pokémon Go, and opportunities across WiFi on aeroplanes and trains.

Referring to its latest results for the three months to August 31, which were released today (Thursday, September 29), Rob Smith, chief executive, said the business’ rising eminence saw it enjoy first quarter revenues of £11.7m, compared to £2.2m a year ago.

Operating profit stood at £1m, as opposed to a £2m loss 12 months ago.

He said the company, which employs about 65 workers at Sedgefield, where it makes the Orpheus e-band transceiver, was doing well, but cautioned its progress may be hit by “lumpy” market conditions.

He said: “The board is pleased with the progress and remains confident the long-term prospects are good.

“Broadband continues to see steady growth in sales of Orpheus and the improved performance was primarily driven by sales of our new antennas.

“(However), we are mindful we will continue to experience short-term variations in sales for at least the balance of the 2017 financial year.

“It should also be noted seasonality in installing telecoms infrastructure is skewed toward the spring and summer months.”

Mr Smith previously revealed Filtronic had sent more than 1,500 examples of its Orpheus product to a customer since its launch in November last year and confirmed in excess of 150 test units have gone to firms across the telecoms and aerospace sectors.

He also spoke about users’ increasing demands, saying such reliance puts Filtronic in a strong position to assess the implications of next generation faster 5G networks.

He said: “There is an expectation you can get 4G and you are going to get it wherever you roam.

“When we were just happy to make telephone calls on our phones, if the line dropped we may have moaned about it but we called back and continued the call.

“The expectation now is the service won’t drop.

“5G is a little bit beyond the horizon but we are starting to see customers putting teams together and doing some fundamental analysis.

“We think we know where they are going and believe we are well positioned with the work we are doing in Sedgefield.”