A SOLIHULL electronic engineering and control panel design and manufacturer has expanded to international markets thanks to funding from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM).
Controlsforce was awarded a £30,000 growth grant to help fund the expansion of its manufacturing premises and its workforce, as well as helping it to take on a major new overseas contract.
Mayor Richard Parker and Solihull Council leader Councillor Ian Courts visited the company’s Monkspath Business Park base to find out how the funds have made a difference.
Managing director Marc Bozdogan says he expects turnover to more than double this year as the company scales up its exports on the back of the additional capacity funded by the grant.
After starting out as a specialist electronic engineering and electrical control panel manufacturer, Controlsforce has grown to offer a full design and build service, alongside software development, consultancy, fault-finding, repairs, and on-site commissioning.
The company is part of the The Force Group which employs 30 people at Monkspath Business Park, growing from just three people since relocating to the West Midlands from North London.
Marc said: “This funding has helped us invest in the business with a new production area and take on new experienced control panels builders. Our expansion has already helped us to secure a significant long-term contract from a major EPC contractor, serving the international semi-conductor industry.
“Our Solihull-built control systems are giving excellent results in a small number of their Asian and South American sites, giving us confidence that we’ll see many years of sustained growth as our systems are rolled out across their global facilities.”
The Mayor said: “The ambition shown by businesses like Controlsforce is crucial to bringing back economic growth to our region – one of my top priorities.
“That’s why I backed Marc and his team with the funding they needed to expand their premises and hire new staff – right here in the West Midlands. And that investment is already paying off.”
BGWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), provides SMEs with tailored packages that help them grow, adopt digital technologies, transition to new supply chains, and access funding opportunities.
SME Grants are delivered in partnership with the WMCA’s local authority members.
Coun Courts said: “We are incredibly proud to support local businesses like Controlsforce as they expand and thrive on the global stage.
“By investing in our local enterprises, we are not only helping to boost the regional economy but also showcasing the innovation and excellence Solihull has to offer to the world.”
