A lean manufacturing specialist that uses technology to improve business performance originally from Sweden is aiming to crack the UK market after settling into a new base in Warwick through an initiative to help overseas companies find success in the country.
Virtual Manufacturing UK (VMUK), which helps clients in automotive, aerospace, and more unlock efficiencies in their manufacturing processes, has moved into Warwick Innovation Centre – part of the University of Warwick Science Park – to gain a foothold in the UK’s substantial market.
It made the move as part of the Global Growth Programme – a scheme operated by the West Midlands Growth Company – to attract foreign firms to the region with excellent potential.
The programme funds the space needed for companies to establish themselves for up to nine months, and partnered with the Science Park to provide that space for eligible businesses as well as providing targeted market entry support.
Since its move in April, VMUK has already seen initial success with meal replacement firm Huel by advising them around the installation of a new manufacturing execution system. Now, VMUK aims to use the expertise it developed in Sweden and Northern Europe to win work with some of the bigger OEMs based within the Midlands, and is developing its own lean manufacturing software called Gazpacho.
The software aims to help clients track assets by improving visibility, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions, and optimising throughput while finding ways to boost overall efficiency.
Richard Gould, Managing Director of VMUK, said: “After successfully establishing our operations in Sweden, Thailand, and the US, we are now bringing that experience to the UK as we enter an exciting phase of growth with a range of projects.
“Choosing the right location was crucial, and Warwickshire was the obvious choice. The region offers an excellent environment for multiple sectors, particularly automotive and aerospace component manufacturing. Henrik Nyby, Manufacturing Consultant at Virtual Manufacturing UK, added: We saw the University of Warwick Science Park as a natural place to establish ourselves, especially given by previous experience studying at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).
“The UK manufacturing market, especially within automotive and aerospace, is larger than in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, and it had long been a goal to have a presence here.
“Through my studies at WMG, I knew the Science Park could be a great fit for us, but it was not clear how we would fund the move.”
VMUK was originally set to move in as part of the Science Park’s Ignite incubation programme for smaller businesses, before Jane Talbot, centre manager at Warwick Innovation Centre, felt they could be eligible for funding from the Global Growth Programme.
“Since our move, we’ve been able to build solid relationships with key stakeholders in the Midlands and beyond, and have already had success with the likes of Huel,” Henrik said.
“The team at the Warwick Innovation Centre was also very helpful by enabling us to access its networking opportunities and business support.
“We’re now confident that we can provide our services to blue-chip companies very soon as a result of the move, and develop Gazpacho to make us more competitive and relevant to manufacturers in the Midlands.”
VMUK is one of several tenants that have moved into the Science Park thanks to funding from the Global Growth Programme. Other companies include Turkish robotics firm Sanlab, Romanian tech solutions business KFactory, and Indian electric motor company Jeanius Technologies.
Dirk Schaefer, SME Engagement Lead at the University of Warwick Science Park, added: “The Global Growth Programme has been a brilliant way to enable overseas companies at the cutting-edge of their fields to make inroads into the UK market and boost the Midlands economy.
“Our Global Growth Programme tenants, including Virtual Manufacturing, have established themselves brilliantly within the Science Park, and we are confident some will choose to stay after the nine-month period.”
Jane Talbot, Centre Manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre, said: “Henrik and the Virtual Manufacturing team have made themselves at home at the Innovation Centre, and have already made great connections with the tenants here.
“We’re hopeful they can take advantage of arriving here through the Global Growth Programme and win work with some of the biggest names in the Midlands.”
