GDS Instruments, the operational division of Global Digital Systems Ltd (GDS) design, develop and manufacture hardware and software for testing the mechanical properties of soils and rocks.
This technology is important in geotechnical engineering and is a key element of infrastructure development. GDS' products have been used in many world renowned developments including the Three Gorges Dam in China, Millau Viaduct in France, Vasco da Gama Bridge in Portugal and closer to home Terminal Five at Heathrow and the new Crossrail links.
GDS' products are used by top research institutes throughout the world, including Cambridge University in the UK, the Indian Institute of Technology, Colorado School of Mines in the USA and the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg in Germany as a very small sample.
In 2002 GDS moved to larger premises as part of a strategy for growth based on an assessment of the potential worldwide increasing demand for infrastructure development. The strategy included a combination of continuous product development, building market share through extending regional coverage and understanding customer's requirements plus, importantly, a company-wide dedication to customer support. This is continuing to be a successful strategy - overseas earnings have increased by 190% over six years of continuous sustained growth, and over 85% of GDS production has gone to overseas sales.
GDS Chairman and CEO, 
Dr Patrick Hooker, says "I am delighted with the Queen's award, especially as it provides recognition for the amazing group of people working here at GDS, who have worked in an environment of continuous growth for many years. Our in-house geotechnical, electronic, mechanical and software engineers, combined with our sales and support teams, allow us to keep our products at the cutting edge of research while producing robust advanced systems for the developing high quality commercial testing market. We are looking forward to continuing to provide our world-class technical service to a growing group of customers for many years to come."

GDS Instruments
a division of Global Digital Systems Ltd
Unit 32 Murrell Green Business Park
London Road, Hook
Hampshire  RG27 9GR  UK
Tel: +44 (0)1256 382450
Fax: +44 (0)1256 382451
sales@gdsinstruments.com   
www.gdsinstruments.com