GLOBAL MEMBRANE MANUFACTURER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH EXPANSION

A high-tech company selling its products globally has been hailed as a shining example of how regional support can help a business of any size to achieve its ambitions.

Southam-based Silson, which makes ultra-thin membranes for use in science, has celebrated its 25th anniversary by unveiling the latest phase of its development.

The company was set up by Peter Anastasi in 1994 as a virtual business before moving into its own premises three years later.

Silson moved to Insight Park in Southam. Warwickshire in 2015. It was supported at the time by Warwickshire County Council and then engaged with the University of Warwick and WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group).

It was then introduced to the business support team at the University of Warwick Science Park by Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Growth Hub.

Funding for this project came from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development under the CWLEP Business Development priority.

The company now exports its products to more than 700 institutions in 45 countries.

Sodick Europe opens headquarters in Warwick

Sodick Europe, which manufactures electrical discharge machines, has opened a purpose-built facility in Warwick.

As the operational centre for sales service and market support, there are already 50 staff employed on site, with plans to double that number within the next few years.

The 4,200 sq metre structure on a site of just over a hectare has additional space for future growth.

The new building also showcases the company’s new plastic injection moulding machines and milling machine, each of which have specialist additional staff assigned to them.

REGIONAL ROUND-UP COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE

HSBC UK crosses the Rubicon with acquisition of Park Sheet Metal

Coventry-based Park Sheet Metal (PSM) has been acquired by private equity group Rubicon, with an eightfigure term loan and revolving credit facility from HSBC UK.

Rubicon Partners, which specialises in industrial businesses, has bought the business from Owner and Managing Director Stephen Payne.

PSM manufactures complex sheet metal components for the niche automotive sector, with customers including Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover and McLaren.

Rubicon Partners and HSBC UK have already signed off additional investment and facilities to support further growth.

Following the acquisition, PSM has appointed Mark Barge as Chief Executive.

Mark, who was previously Managing Director of the Performance Products Division of Ricardo, is a qualified engineer and has considerable experience and knowledge of the UK low-volume performance automotive sector.