The Manor House forms part of Roke Manor Research's 22 acre estate in Romsey, Hampshire, a few miles from Southampton on the south coast of England. After acquiring Roke Manor in 1956, the Plessey Company founded Roke Manor Research. Initially staffed by 28 engineers, Roke Manor undertook research into military communications systems. Throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, Roke Manor Research grew considerably as the site's reputation attracted key technology contracts in communications and radar. In 1991, GEC sold its 50 percent shareholding in Roke Manor Research and the company became wholly owned by Siemens.
Projects range from feasibility study through to designs for high volume manufacture.
In addition, low volume manufacture can be undertaken in-house. Paul Smith Radio Devices Business Unit Director Facts and Figures Employee numbers have increased by over 30 per cent in the last two years, and Roke Manor Research now employs around 550 people, of which 450 are graduate engineers and scientists. In September 2000, a new purpose-built 9000m laboratory was officially opened by Lord Sainsbury of Turville to cater for increasing staff numbers. The company is approved to BS EN ISO 9001 with TickIT accreditation for software development. Contracts can also be undertaken to AQAP 1 and 13.