Alford Technologies: 40 Years of Innovation

Alford Technologies has carved a unique niche in the world of explosive engineering. To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we will explore the company’s history, origins, key milestones, and the impact of our innovations.

Pioneering Beginnings

Dr Sidney Alford with UXO in Kuwait, 1991

Alford Technologies was founded by the late Dr. Sidney Alford, an inventor, explosives engineer, and doctor of chemistry. His early life experiences during World War II, when he collected fragments of bombs, ignited a lifelong interest in explosives and pyrotechnics.

Dr. Alford pioneered water-projecting disruptors driven by high explosives, which are crucial in bomb disposal. His son, Roland Alford, who has been involved in the explosives industry since childhood, currently serves as the Managing Director and continues to drive innovation within the company.

Alford Technologies specialises in developing highly innovative explosive tools and solutions. Military, law enforcement, commercial companies, and humanitarian organisations globally use our products for a variety of applications, including:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) / Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD): This is a core area for the company. Our explosive charges and disruptors are designed to neutralise IEDs and other explosive threats with minimum collateral damage. The equipment has saved many lives, particularly by countering IED threats in regions like Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Breaching/Explosive Method of Entry (EMoE): Our breaching charges are renowned for their efficacy, efficiency and reliability. Operators worldwide trust our EMoE tools to gain access through doors, walls, and fortified structures.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) / Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD): Alford offers point-focal and linear cutting solutions for safely disposing of traditional military ordnance in land and maritime environments, consistently achieving low order neutralisations.  
• Explosive Demolition: We develop and manufacture explosive demolition tools for structural demolition. Our company has been involved in significant demolition projects, including the remote demolition of the remaining structure at the Didcot power station following the disaster in 2016.

High-Quality, Highly Reliable Solutions

An EOD operator positioning Vulcan against UXO

The company is renowned for our user-filled, patented, and field-proven technology, including the Dioplex linear cutting charge and the Vulcan shaped charge. Alford Technologies also offers comprehensive explosives training through Alford Training, research and development, consultancy services, and range hire. We aim to deliver high-quality, highly reliable solutions to meet our customers’ rigorous demands.

The company’s journey began in 1985 when Dr. Sidney Alford founded Sidney Alford Ltd. with his wife, Itsuko, as co-director. Before this, in mid-1981, Dr. Alford co-founded Alflex and gained experience in demolition. He had also worked with Hotforge, developing explosive cutting charges for the petroleum industry.

Dates From the Diary

Significant dates in Alford Technologies’ history include:

• 1976: Dr. Alford developed water-filled and water-lined shaped charges.
• 1985: Dr. Sidney Alford founded his own company, Sidney Alford Ltd., initially focusing on explosive demolition operations.
• 1987: The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognised Dr. Alford’s invention and ownership of water-lined and water-projecting shaped charge technology, reaching a settlement that allowed the MOD to develop their water-based charge technology incorporating his ideas. The same year, inspired by his work during the “Tanker War,” Dr. Alford developed the Dioplex user-filled linear cutting charge kit and the Vulcan point focal shaped charge.
• 2002: Roland Alford, Dr. Alford’s son, became the managing director, with Sidney Alford taking on the role of company chairman. The Vulcan Counter Limpet Mine System (VCLMS) was also developed this year.
• 2004: The company, renamed Alford Technologies, received its first Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation for the Vulcan shaped charge system.
• 2009: Alford Technologies received a second Queen’s Award for Outstanding Innovation for developing User-Filled High Explosive Charges for the Neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
• 2015: Dr. Sidney Alford received the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to explosive ordnance disposal.
• 2016: The company successfully demolished the remaining boiler house at Didcot Power Station, marking a significant return to the demolition sector using its remote capabilities.
• 26 January, 2021: Dr. Alford received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award from the US Navy, the highest honour the US Department of the Navy can bestow on a civilian not employed by them. The award recognised his over 25 years of service and significant contributions to the EOD community.
• 27 January, 2021: Dr. Sidney Alford passed away at 86.
• 16 April, 2025: Alford Technologies announced a £1.5 million deal with the MOD.

‘When You Can’t Afford to Fail’

Dr. Sidney Alford’s childhood interest in explosives evolved into a career dedicated to finding more effective means of dealing with explosive devices, particularly IEDs. The slogan “When you can’t afford to fail” underscores our commitment to providing highly reliable, highly effective technology.

Alford Technologies was founded on the principle of innovation, driven by Dr. Alford’s pioneering work in explosive charge technology. The company’s continued success is built on its reputation for excellence. With a focus on user-friendly and field-proven technology and dedication to supporting EOD, C-IED, and explosive engineering communities worldwide, our work is crucial for protecting lives and infrastructure for military and law enforcement agencies.

Forty years in, Alford Technologies continues to be a significant force in explosive solutions. We will continue building on a rich history of innovation and a commitment to safety and effectiveness. Here’s to the next 40!