U.K. High-Tech Company Returning To Its Roots

It has been twelve years since Per Lindstrand left mainstream balloon building, selling his share in the company which bore his name, to create Lindstrand Technologies. This high-tech company concentrated on the research and development of lighter-than-air fabric engineering. Products include inflated structures, tethered gas balloons and even specialised parachutes for the EU space program which have kept Per at the forefront of the fabric and aviation industries. During this time he has revolutionised the design for the HiFlyer tethered aerostat, with the Lindstrand HiFlyer now considered the best and most modern fully automated tethered aerostat in the world, with 60 HiFlyers in 24 countries.

In a news release posted on the company's website, Linstrand says his passion for ballooning has never diminished, and much of the R&D work conducted by Lindstrand Technologies will have direct applications for hot air balloon design. With the recent decision by the current owners to close Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons, discussions were begun by the staff at Lindstrand Technologies to preserve the rich history and legacy of Oswestry in Shropshire, U.K. for lighter-than-air development and manufacturing excellence. Many of the staff have been with Lindstrand for over 30 years in the industry. The team consists of hot air balloon pilots, aircraft welders, experienced seamstresses, design team, CAA department, purchasing department, engineering department, and electrical department.

Linstrand began balloon manufacturing in Oswestry in 1978 and from this location revolutionized the design of the modern day balloon. He has been manufacturing lighter-than-air aircraft on this same site to this day. Along the way, he and Richard Branson captured all Hot Air Balloon absolute world records, and many feats thought to be impossible were proven otherwise.

The whole concept of the current state of the balloon industry has been analysed to determine where improvements and innovations can be introduced. "Once again Per Lindstrand’s visionary approach to balloon design and manufacturing will place Oswestry at the forefront of the industry. This will be a new balloon company dedicated to innovation without restriction," the company said.

(Image from Lindstrand website)

FMI: www.lindstrandtech.com/