Battery power developer ABSL Power Solutions - which has its headquarters in the north of Scotland - has won a £4.6 million pound contract with the UK Ministry of Defence.

The Thurso based firm, which is at the forefront of shaping battery technology, will supply light weight, man-worn portable chargers, for use by soldiers on the ground.

The contract marks a renewed approach by the business to remain the market leader in portable power technology and solution processes.

Roland Talbot, ABSL Power Solutions Director of Business Development, commented: "ABSL has been creating ground breaking work since its inception when we were developing the first lithium batteries using our patented Li-ion cathode technology.

"We design, develop and manufacture the world's most advanced portable power systems for use in challenging situations where performance and reliability are crucial."

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The business, which has interests in the UK and America, has a customer base spanning the defence, space, marine and industrial markets.

The firm is committed to its Highland location and is one of the key businesses working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to maximise growth potential. As part of its growth plan the development agency is supporting the company's activities with £87,000 in grant assistance.

Mr Talbot said: "Our goal is for ABSL to become a by-word for quality, and added-value within both the cell and battery production industries. A highly trained workforce and local partnerships, such as we have with HIE are crucial to this end. Our ongoing relationship with the development agency is fundamental to both the continued growth of ABSL Power Solutions and to expanding its operations as a local employer in the Caithness area."

Annemarie Monteforte of HIE says that the contract is testament to the innovative work the business carries out.

"ABSL is very customer focused and over and above its manufacturing activities it is forward thinking in meeting the next generation needs of its customer base. We have had an on-going relationship with them for a number of years and are delighted that by working closely and sharing goals HIE can support the business as it creates solutions for the future."

(GK/BMcC)