COMPANY OVERVIEW
United Scientific Instruments Ltd was founded in 1964 as a supplier of defence and related equipments to Governments and Government agencies worldwide. Under the guidance of the then Managing Director, Mr Peter Levene, the company soon established itself as an organisation which could be depended upon to supply impartial advice as to the user's requirements, supported by quality and the cost effective and timely supply of equipment. The current Managing Director, Mr Michael Cooper, joined the company in 1966.
Owing to the company's early achievements it began to acquire a number of defence manufacturing companies. These companies, Avimo Ltd (UK); Helio Mirror Co. Ltd. (UK); Optic Electronic Corp (USA); Nitec Corp (USA); Avimo Singapore: Arab International Optronics (Egypt) and Sopolem (France) were consolidated into United Scientific Holdings.
Whilst these companies concentrated on the design, development and manufacture of equipment, United Scientific Instruments continued in its primary role and became the focal point within the group for sales, marketing and contract administration. In 1981, United Scientific Holdings acquired Alvis Ltd, the U.K. manufacturer of the CVR(T) range of vehicles. In 1987, Mr Peter Levene became the defence procurement adviser to the then Minister of Defence. This was quickly followed by his appointment as Chief of Defence Procurement, a post which he held for some six years.
In 1991 a policy decision was reached for the group to align itself more with the armoured vehicle market and as a result it renamed itself Alvis Plc. Notwithstanding this, United Scientific Instruments continued in its role, achieving several major contracts and programmes.
After the further acquisition, by Alvis Plc, of Hagglunds of Sweden, (manufacturers of the CV90 and BV206) and GKN Defence (manufacturers of the Warrior), the Alvis board decided on a strategy to divest all "non-vehicle" companies within the group and commenced a major disposal programme. As a result, the current directors of United Scientific Instruments and key members of staff are able to offer a procurement service which is independent of the self-interests of major defence organisations.
The company also acts as consultants/representatives for a number of major defence companies. These include Oto Melara of Italy for Naval and Land Systems; Pulsetech (USA) in respect of Battery Management Systems and Networks Inc (USA) for Cargo Nets.
Due to the extensive period of operation and wide ranging programmess which United Scientific Instruments and its staff have been involved with, the company is able to source equipments from defence manufacturers worldwide. This coupled with the ability to provide funding where necessary and an extensive knowledge of shipping and export licensing, provides the company's customers with an all round service which is difficult to match.
United Scientific Instruments is committed to applying the highest standards of conduct and integrity in its business activities in the UK and overseas and as such does not tolerate bribery.
A bribe is a financial advantage or other reward which is offered to, given to, or received by an individual or company to induce or influence that individual or company to perform public or corporate functions or duties improperly.
