University of Warwick and Coltraco Limited KTP 24_25 R2

A company that makes ultrasonic sensors will now design and build its own transducer components in-house, rather than buying them from outside suppliers. Ultrasonic transducers convert electrical signals into high-frequency sound waves and back again. They are the core component in devices that measure liquid levels in storage tanks, detect gas leaks, or monitor flow in pipes. Currently, Coltraco Limited relies on external manufacturers for these critical parts, which limits how quickly it can innovate or adapt its designs for new applications. This Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Warwick aims to establish a dedicated design and manufacturing capability within the company itself. If successful, Coltraco will be able to develop bespoke transducers tailored to specific industrial needs—for example, sensors that work reliably in extreme pressures or corrosive environments. That could improve safety monitoring on ships, in chemical plants, or across energy infrastructure. More broadly, the project demonstrates how a small specialist firm can build deep technical capacity in a niche area of manufacturing, reducing supply-chain dependencies and accelerating product development cycles.