Marconi is looking for hundreds of scientists and engineers to supplement the 200 skilled personnel it has already recruited for a new company it has announced it is forming.

The new Marconi company, based in Chelmsford and Northampton, is being established to exploit the company's research and development activities in the field of optical components.

It is all part of a major new investment programme designed to speed up introduction of new products, expand production and develop the next generation in optical technology.

''It will be the vehicle to fully exploit Marconi's extensive optical technology portfolio, including high-power tuneable lasers and ultra-fast modulators," a company spokesman said.

The new company will bring the activities of Chelmsford's Marconi Applied Technologies and the world-class design and development capability of Marconi Caswell Technology in Northampton. A rapid expansion at a new purpose built facility -- as yet unidentified -- will take place to meet predicted demand.

Over the last year Marconi has already recruited 200 skilled people for its optical components division, and is now looking to bolster that with another recruitment drive for another 200 specialist scientists and engineers.

Dr David Parker, who is based at Caswell, is to head up the new company as chief executive.

He described it as an opportunity to bring together all Marconi's specialist expertise in optical component technology to provide the 'sharp focus' needed to fully exploit its technology solutions.

''I believe that the skill set across the company in material science and technology necessary to develop differential optical solutions is unique,'' he added.

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