Member Article

From China to North Shields and beyond: VREO manufacturing enters new space

VREO Innovation Ltd, a manufacturer of vision systems, has landed a six figure investment to move into a larger facility, allowing the firm to manufacture its produce in-house.

Previously outsourcing its production to China, the reshoring arrangement means the company will now manufacture its produce in-house, based at a 2400 sq. ft. factory unit in North Shields.

The business, which manufactures USB3.0 interfaces for a range of cameras, also has further cause to celebrate, announcing that one of its products will be installed on the International Space Station later this year.

VREO’s interfaces allow a number of camera modules to be used to stream footage in full HD, in a range of industries including robotics, virtual reality, drones, oil & gas pipe inspection and industrial endoscopy.

The investment, from the Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund, enables the company to install its own full surface mount production line. In turn, this will alow the business to achieve a quick prototyping turnaround for the projects it supports, as well as offering an assembly of printed circuit boards to other North East manufacturers.

VREO founder Mark Vernon said: “Manufacturing all our products in-house opens up a range of new opportunities. Our goal has always been to put the North East on the global stage and this is now being realised.”

One of VREO’s products was recently selected to be sent into space: Unity (the first USB3.0 interface VREO released) tested the best amongst competitors for separation events on spacecraft and is due to be installed on The International Space Station in June 2016, shortly after British Astronaut Tim Peake’s historic visit.

Karen Weech, Commercial Director, added: “The investment we received from Northstar Ventures has allowed us to expand our offering and increase manufacturing in the North East. Our technology has potential benefits for a range of industries and having a partner who believes in our ideas and shares our vision is invaluable.

“For Unity to have been selected as part of the vision system solution for The International Space Station is a testimony to North East design and manufacturing.”

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