Portsmouth Manufacturer who supported NHS ventilators seeks expansion into new markets post-lockdown | Manufacturing Growth Programme

Velocetec Ltd, based in Portsmouth and established in 2018, was created as a business with the prime purpose to design and manufacture precision engineered components.

Velocetec have quickly built up a reputation for the quality of their work, with a particular specialism in metallic component and tooling solutions using a range of high-grade aluminium and steel materials.

The Company was founded with the concept of being a state-of-the-art manufacturing operation that embraces Industry 4.0, with automated processes being integral to its competitive advantage. They have invested significantly in new machinery from the outset and are located in spacious, modern premises close to good transport links.

Despite being a relatively new business, in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Velocetec Ltd were involved in the Government’s call to manufacture parts for some of the new ventilators being supplied to the NHS.

The SME manufacturer has been focused on specific sectors in its early years, though has been keen to branch out into other sectors, notably by developing their capabilities to work with additional types of materials. A key challenge for Velocetec has been entering and competing in traditional industries against more established businesses.

As the business was facing some barriers to growth, they decided to access tailored support and grant funding from the Manufacturing Growth Programme. The business was advised by their local Manufacturing Growth Manager, Robin Simpson, to conduct a GROWTHmapper® business diagnostic analysis. This market-leading business diagnostic tool advises SME manufacturers what is working well in their business and what are the areas for improvement.

Through the Manufacturing Growth Programme, the business was able to access a grant towards the cost of new machinery, which has helped the business to expand towards working with additional types of material – such as Carbon and Epoxy Tooling – with a view to extending the companies capability, thus opening up new markets.

Robin Simpson, Manufacturing Growth Manager for manufacturers based in the Solent region, commented; Velocetec is one of the most forward-thinking businesses I have come across, with a real commitment to making Industry 4.0 a reality. It has been great to work with them and understand their expansion plans.”

Rob Carter, Director at Veloectec Ltd, affirmed that the grant had enabled the business to increase its service offering to customers with the Manufacturing Growth Programme helping to identify the next avenue for expansion. Commenting on the support, Rob stated, “The process led by Robin was seamless from start to finish and we look forward to working with Robin going forward”.

With the new machinery in place, the business continues to look at opportunities for expansion into new markets.

More details on Velocetec Ltd are available at www.velocetec.com