Marine Growth Prevention Specialists Ltd (MGPS) is the Scottish manufacturer behind Ultraguard Antifouling, an award-winning ultrasonic biofouling prevention system designed for the commercial marine industry. Ultraguard
provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to legacy technologies such as Impressed Current Antifouling (ICAF) and chlorine injection, protecting sea chests, seawater systems, coolers, and hulls from marine growth.
Founded in 2019, MGPS has grown rapidly, serving customers across deep sea shipping, offshore, towage, fishing, marine civils, and superyacht sectors worldwide. The company won the International Trade Award at the 2023 National Maritime SME Awards during London International Shipping Week, recognising its success in bringing a Scottish-made product to the global maritime market.
When MGPS set out to develop the Ultraguard system range, they needed more than a contract manufacturer. They needed a manufacturing partner who could be involved from the very beginning, working alongside their design house to turn an innovative concept into a reliable, production-ready
system.
The technical requirements were demanding. Ultraguard systems operate in harsh marine environments, meaning the electronics had to be robust, reliable, and capable of withstanding the conditions found on commercial vessels. The systems needed to meet the expectations of an international customer base operating in some of the most challenging waters in the world.
Beyond the initial system development, MGPS knew that as the business grew, their manufacturing partner would need to scale alongside them. Production volumes would increase, the range would expand, and ongoing development would require a responsive ECM who understood the systems inside and out. Finding a partner with the right technical capability, flexibility, and willingness to invest in the relationship from day one was critical.
Key-Tech has been involved in the Ultraguard story from the very start, working closely with MGPS and their design partner Abelon Systems to bring the system from concept through to full commercial production. This threeway collaboration has been central to the success of the Ultraguard range, with Key-Tech providing the manufacturing expertise to complement the design and engineering capability of Abelon and the market knowledge of MGPS.
During the early stages, Key-Tech supported the New Product Introduction (NPI) and prototyping process, helping to refine designs for manufacturability while ensuring the finished system would perform reliably in demanding subsea and marine environments. As the system moved into production, Key- Tech’s full range of manufacturing services came into play, including surface mount technology (SMT) assembly, through-hole assembly, conformal coating, cable assemblies, functional testing, and complete box build.
As the Ultraguard system range has expanded to include both the UG-A Series and the Master Series, Key-Tech has continued to play an active role in the ongoing development of the full systems line. Each new iteration and system improvement benefits from the deep understanding of the systems that Key- Tech has built up over seven years of close partnership with MGPS and Abelon Systems.
The partnership between Key-Tech and MGPS has now been in place for six years, spanning the entire lifecycle of the Ultraguard system from initial concept through to an established, internationally recognised commercial
range.
Key-Tech’s involvement from the ground floor has meant a seamless transition from prototyping to production, with no loss of knowledge or momentum between development phases. This continuity has been invaluable as the system range has grown, allowing new offerings and improvements to move through NPI and into production efficiently.
The success of the Ultraguard brand speaks for itself. MGPS has grown from a start-up into an award-winning international business, and Key-Tech is proud to have played a part in that journey. As the MGPS order book continues to expand, Key-Tech remains a core part of the supply chain, scaling production in line with demand and continuing to support the development of the next generation of Ultraguard systems.
“From our first meeting with Key-Tech we have been impressed with the service they have provided us. Working closely with our design partners, Abelon Systems Ltd, Key-Tech have been essential in developing every
Ultraguard system from concept to full production. They have guided us throughout the process and helped us avoid pitfalls along the way. The international maritime industry is a demanding sector. Tight deadlines
and exacting standards are par for the course. Key-Tech has proven to be a dynamic partner who understands the pressures we experience and can change gear to allow us to deliver our customer’s requirements.”
Key-Tech Electronic Systems is a trusted electronic contract manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, customer service has earned us long-standing partnerships across some of the most demanding sectors in the industry, including subsea, marine, defence, medical, rail, and oil and gas.operating from a 46,000 sq ft facility in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. We provide full turnkey ECM services, from new product introduction and prototyping through to volume production, test, and box build assembly. Our commitment to quality, traceability, and responsive customer service has earned us long-standing partnerships across some of the most demanding sectors in the industry, including subsea, marine, defence, medical, rail, and oil and gas.
Name: Chris Ryan
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: MGPS Ltd
Date: 03/03/2026
Signature:
