Control systems manufacturer switches to Rochdale headquarters

A Middleton-based technology manufacturer is relocating its headquarters to help it meet the growing demand for its services and expand its offering to support renewable energy projects.

Simkiss Control Systems designs and builds bespoke electrical control systems for a range of blue-chip clients, including the likes of Amazon, Network Rail and Siemens. The firm’s technology connects electrical devices, regulating the flow of electricity to ensure that they operate efficiently, making the technology crucial for large-scale infrastructure schemes.

The business has acquired a new 73,000 sq ft premises in Rochdale, more than triple the size of its current headquarters in Middleton, with the support of a £3.1m finance package from Lloyds Bank, to boost its capacity, take on more staff and break into new sectors.

Simkiss is expected to complete the move later this year, in which it celebrates its 25th anniversary – following a period of continuous growth for the business. In the last three years, it has almost doubled its workforce from 64 to 110 people and is set to become the first company in the UK to provide the same technology for E-Houses, which allow energy operators to manage large renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar farms.

The plug-and-play systems are delivered to factories fully equipped and ready to operate, saving businesses time and resources. They also take up less space and energy than other control systems, making them a more sustainable alternative. Ultimately, this all means that renewable energy projects can get up and running far sooner, helping the UK as it transitions to net-zero.

This new capability builds on the firm’s existing expertise, which it has used to support strong growth from infrastructure projects in gas distribution, rail, renewable energy and much more.

Its new location will also help the business with its aims to operate more sustainably, with solar panel installation earmarked to help it work towards becoming a carbon positive firm. Simkiss also partnered with the Business Growth Hub to enhance the space and workflows in its new design and manufacturing hub, helping make the business as efficient as possible.

 

 

Paul Simkiss, managing director at Simkiss Control Systems, said: “We’ve been going strong as a business for 25 years now, but we’re always looking for ways to take our firm forward. This latest investment, along with the launch of our E-House service and collaboration with the Business Growth Hub, is testament to that and we can’t wait to start this exciting new chapter in our history.

“When looking for a new location, we wanted somewhere close to our current headquarters, but with enough space to really help us to take our business to the next level. Alongside this, it was also important that our new base aligned with our plans to become a carbon positive firm, and it was clear that Garry and the team at Lloyds Bank were the ideal partner to support us with this.

"Our new workspace ticks all these boxes, and we can’t wait for us to complete our move in the second half of this year.”

Garry Birchall, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Simkiss’ recent growth means that this relocation is the next natural step for the business. It has built a strong reputation working on projects like Viking Wind Farm in the Shetland Islands, and the fact it’s relocating to a much bigger space because of growing demand is testament to that.

“This move marks an exciting time for Paul and the team, as they also look to expand their offering to become the first business in the UK to provide E-House systems. We look forward to continuing to be by their side as they reap the benefits from this relocation.”