IT was first, second and third time lucky for automotive electronics company Zeta Controls, which has won a prestigious DTI Smart award for the third time.

Zeta, based at Weston-on-the-Green, beat off stiff competition from hi-tech companies throughout Britain to win the small firms merit award for research and technology.

The £300,000 award will allow Zeta to develop better braking systems for the huge earth movers used to build motorways.

Zeta's co-founder Paul Tyrell said: "Our electronically-controlled braking would be cheaper and safer than conventional hydraulics, and could have built-in diagnostics.

"Basically this means that the systems monitor themselves, finding faults before they become serious."

Initially the project will concentrate on the braking, with integral ABS and traction control, and then be extended to the entire hydraulic system of the off-highway machines.

The company also makes electronic controls for special-purpose vehicles such as refuse collection lorries, road sweepers and fire appliances.

The cash will enable Zeta to recruit another six top engineers to join the team of 20.

Mr Tyrell said they hoped to move to larger premises at Weston-on-the-Green within the next year, with improved facilities incorporating an in-house test centre.

He added: "We are looking to supply the systems to multi-national companies.

"We already supply to companies that include Ford and Mercedes."

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