Pioneering Aluminium Company Doubles Revenue Following Assistance From The CWLEP Growth Hub

Coventry-based Impression Technologies was established in January 2013 and is the world’s first producer of Hot Form Quench® (HFQ)-produced parts for the automotive sector. The company is the exclusive commercialisation route for HFQ technology to all global markets.

Impression Technologies has been instrumental in developing HFQ Technology, which is revolutionising the exploitation of aluminium for light-weighting and complex shapes. The company also provides knowledge and expertise to support HFQ Technology.

Impression Technologies offers a fully tailored service according to engineering needs from concept to production.

The Challenge

Impression Technologies’ HFQ Technology forms hot aluminium blanks at high speed. The press tool surfaces require regular lubrication to ensure the consistent forming of the hot aluminium sheet to meet part requirements.

Over the course of 18 months, Impression Technologies developed a bespoke lubricant that was able to cope with the extreme temperatures of the HFQ process. The application of this lubricant had been carried out manually. Though effective, this process was not as efficient as applying lubrication via a robot and was an obvious bottle-neck for high volume production.
In order to meet the growing demand of HFQ technology, gain valuable knowledge and boost production, Impression Technologies needed to acquire robotic technology that would eradicate the need for the manual application of lubricant.

The Solution

Impression Technologies secured £37,800 in grant funding for a robot system from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The company then issued a request for offer (RFO) for the robot on the CWLEP Growth Hub website.

Through its extensive range of regional business links, the CWLEP Growth Hub was able to alert Rugby-based robotics COMAU UK about the RFO. Following a competitive bidding process, Impression Technologies awarded the contract to COMAU UK.

The Result
Since acquiring the robot, Impression Technologies has been able to ramp up and double output thereby meeting increasing demand. The state-of-the-art technologyhas also helped to future-proof the
company in what is a fast-paced and highly competitive sector.

Simon Griffiths, Plant Director from Impression Technologies said “The company has experienced tremendous growth over the last 18 months and the robot was vital in helping us continue in this direction. “Acquiring the robot has enabled us to meet rising demand by ramping up production of aluminium parts through our HFQ technology. “We are very grateful to the CWLEP Growth Hub for supporting us in the acquisition of the robot. It was also very pleasing to be able to work with another Coventry and Warwickshire based company in COMAU UK.”

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,