AMS Technologies AG Acquires Bay Photonics Ltd. to Expand Photonics Packaging Capabilities
Planegg, Germany, and Paignton, United Kingdom – April 16, 2026. AMS Technologies AG, a leading European provider of optical, thermal, and power technologies and solutions, today announced the acquisition of Bay Photonics Ltd., a specialist in photonic device alignment, packaging, and assembly, with particular expertise in photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The acquisition is a strategic step in AMS Technologies’ ongoing expansion of its Solutions business, strengthening its capabilities in photonics system design, integration, and manufacturing.
Strengthening Photonics Packaging and System Integration
Founded in 2007, Bay Photonics is a trusted partner for advanced photonics assembly and packaging, serving applications in quantum technologies, defense, advanced sensing, medical, marine, space, and telecommunications. The company operates from its purpose-built facility at the Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Paignton, United Kingdom.
By combining Bay Photonics’ expertise in PIC packaging, fiber coupling, and high-precision optical alignment with AMS Technologies’ capabilities in system integration, electronics, and thermal management, the combined organization will deliver:
- Packaged photonic components
- Integrated photonics modules combining optics, electronics, and cooling
- Production-ready subassemblies for industrial applications
This integrated approach reduces system complexity, shortens development cycles, and accelerates the transition from concept to industrial deployment.
The acquisition further strengthens AMS Technologies’ role as a bridge between component manufacturers and system-level applications, translating technological innovation into production-ready solutions. This benefits not only customers, but also our distribution partners, by accelerating the adoption of their technologies in real-world use cases.
Building a Pan-European Engineering and Production Platform
As part of the integration, AMS Technologies will further strengthen its European engineering and manufacturing footprint by establishing a three-site platform for design, engineering, and production across its three sites in Paignton, UK, Hanover, Germany and Kraków, Poland. This setup reduces operational complexity, enables consistent manufacturing processes, and allows closer collaboration with customers and partners across key European markets.
With this acquisition, AMS Technologies is positioning itself as a European partner for outsourced photonics engineering and manufacturing in high-mix, low-volume photonics applications. We are building a scalable platform for photonics assemblies—from chip level packaging to modules, subassemblies, and full system integration. Our ‘in Europe, for Europe’ approach responds to increasing demand for resilient, compliant, and locally anchored supply chains in advanced technologies.
Management Perspectives
Jan Meise, CEO of AMS Technologies AG, commented:
“Packaging is a critical interface in photonics and often determines whether a concept can be translated into a reliable product. By
integrating Bay Photonics’ capabilities into our development approach, we can align component selection, packaging, and system design
from the start.”
“This acquisition is an important step in building a European platform for advanced photonics solutions. Together, we can support our customers from early-stage development through to production-ready subsystems.”
Glenn George, Founder and CEO of Bay Photonics Ltd., added:
“Joining AMS Technologies gives us access to a broader European customer base, complementary technologies, and additional resources to further develop our capabilities. At the same time, we will continue to focus on what we do best: precision photonics packaging and assembly.”
“For our customers, combining this expertise with AMS Technologies’ system integration capabilities means fewer interfaces, shorter development cycles, and a more direct path from packaged device to finished module.”
Carlos Lee, Director General of EPIC Photonics, the leading European industry association in photonics, commented:
“EPIC brings together photonics companies to foster technology and business collaboration. It is rewarding to see how an initial exchange between AMS Technologies and Bay Photonics thanks to EPIC has developed into a close partnership! This collaboration will benefit both companies as well as serve EPIC´s mission of competitiveness of the European photonics industry and industrialization of new technologies.”
Continuity and Growth
Bay Photonics will continue to operate with its established team, leadership, and facilities in Paignton. Customers and partners can expect full continuity in ongoing projects and relationships.
As part of AMS Technologies, Bay Photonics will benefit from expanded access to European markets, a broader technological ecosystem, and increased investment in advanced packaging and manufacturing capabilities.
About AMS Technologies AG
AMS Technologies AG is a leading European provider of optical, thermal, and power technologies. With more than 40 years of experience, AMS supports customers with components, subsystems, and fully engineered solutions across a wide range of high-tech applications. Headquartered in Martinsried near Munich, Germany, AMS Technologies operates engineering and production sites in Germany, Poland,
and the United Kingdom, along with sales offices across Europe.
About Bay Photonics Ltd.
Bay Photonics Ltd. is a UK-based specialist in photonics assembly and packaging for semiconductor photonic devices. Located at the Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Paignton, the company provides design, prototyping, and low-volume manufacturing services, supporting customers in transitioning from research to production. Bay Photonics holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and operates advanced cleanroom and precision assembly facilities.
Press Contact
AMS Technologies AG
Andreas Osterholt
Fraunhoferstr. 22
82152 Planegg, Germany
Phone: +49 89 89577 177
Mobile: +49 172 847 4704
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.amstechnologies.com
Bay Photonics Ltd.
Caroline Field
Electronics & Photonics Innovation Centre
Paignton TQ4 7RZ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 01803 714 710
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.bayphotonics.com