Six-figure investment for Leyland software firm QiSOFT

The Lancashire firm behind quality management software used by blue chip manufacturers around the world has secured a six-figure investment.

QiSOFT will use the £300k boost from Lancashire Rosebud Finance to develop new mobile applications and the next generation of its software product.

Founded in 1986, today QiSOFT operates from headquarters in Leyland and operations in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Sweden, US and South America.

Customers for its QIS software include consumer goods multinational Unilever, foods giant Danone, coffee company Jacobs Douwe Egberts and British banknote manufacturer De La Rue.

The company’s founder, group CEO Kevin Luxton, is now based in the US. Managing director Samuel Luxton runs QiSOFT’s UK business.

Lancashire Rosebud Finance is managed by Mercia Fund Managers on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Ltd, the county council’s economic development arm.

Mercia Fund Managers investment manager Peter Rooney said: “QiSOFT is at the forefront of quality management software within the manufacturing industry, and its products have a proven track record in helping customers to increase yields and outputs.

“The company has an established presence in the US and Europe, but its products are now being used further afield and in the past year have been installed in companies in China, Russia, Thailand and Korea.”

He added: “This funding will help it to continue developing new and innovative products and maintain its position as a market leader.”

County Cllr Michael Green, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning, commented: “This is a successful business specialising in developing and supplying software for Manufacturing Execution Systems to the worldwide process industry. It’s specialised work and I’m proud to say they’re operating from here in Lancashire.

“They were founded in Leyland and are still based here. They also have an office in the USA, taking advantage of that market. We’re proud that Lancashire’s Rosebud Finance is able to support such an interesting company and support their growth ambitions here in the UK.”

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