Partner Article

New backing sparks growth at electronics firm

A contract electronic manufacturer in Northumberland is relocating to larger premises and creating new jobs after landing a £75,000 grant.

OPSOL UK, based at Admiral Business Park in Cramlington, is relocating to another facility on the business park and creating up to 15 new jobs supported by a Grant for Business Investment (GBI) from One North East.

The firm, which specialises in the design and production of bespoke printed circuit boards assemblies, is making the move to the 14,000 sq ft facility as part of a £350,000 expansion project which will also include the introduction of a new surface mount assembly line.

The new assembly line will increase capacity allowing high volume builds to continue while still maintaining the capacity for quick turnaround and prototype requirements.

Owner Malcolm Humble, said: “This investment places OPSOL in a very different playing field.We have built the business based on doing what we say and working very closely with our customers.

“This increase in both manufacturing capacity and floor space will allow us to develop our business processes inline with the customers needs. The fact that OPSOL has been short listed for a second successive year for the Manufacturer of the Year at the North East Business Awards is testament to all our staff. There are exciting times ahead.”

This latest round of funding from One North East complements an initial grant of £40,000 awarded by the Agency in 2007 which assisted in the firm’s relocation to Admiral Business Park and boost its team from two to its current 12 workers.

During this time, OPSOL went from strength to strength despite the recession and won a series of new national contracts.

As an additional bonus to its success, OPSOL has been awarded the International Standards Organisation 9001:2008 quality standard and was also shortlisted for the North East Manufacturer of the Year Award in both 2008 and 2009.

Lisa Harwood, Business Finance Specialist Advisor, One North East, said: “OPSOL has enjoyed an impressive period of growth in recent years. I’m delighted that our grant support has helped the firm to meet its expansion targets and look to new growth opportunities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .