Controlsforce Ltd Expands with Support from Business Growth West Midlands

Solihull-based Controlsforce Ltd, a leading electronic engineering and control panel design and manufacturing company, is expanding its reach into international markets thanks to a £30,000 growth grant from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM). The company, which provides control systems for various industries in the UK and globally, has seen significant growth, which has been accelerated by the additional funding.

At the end of last month, Solihull’s Mayor Richard Parker and Solihull Council leader Councillor Ian Courts visited Controlsforce to learn about how the grant has helped the company expand its manufacturing facilities and hire more staff. This expansion has enabled the company to secure a major overseas contract, which is set to drive further growth.

Managing Director Marc Bozdogan anticipates that turnover will more than double this year, driven by the increased capacity funded by the grant. Since its inception, Controlsforce has evolved from a specialist electronic engineering and electrical control panel manufacturer to offering a full suite of services, including design and build, software development, consultancy, fault-finding, repairs, and on-site commissioning.

The company is now part of The Force Group, which employs 30 people at its headquarters on Monkspath Business Park in Solihull. This is a significant increase from its early days, when it operated with just three people after relocating from North London to the West Midlands. Bozdogan explained: “Controlsforce has always benefited from a team of experienced engineers and developed a great reputation for bespoke control systems. However, we needed to expand our manufacturing facility to fully realise our potential and give both new and existing clients confidence in our ability to handle larger projects.”

The £30,000 growth grant has enabled Controlsforce to invest in a new production area and hire additional skilled control panel builders. This expansion played a crucial role in securing a long-term contract from a major EPC contractor in the international semiconductor industry. The company’s UK-built control systems are already delivering excellent results at several Asian and South American sites, providing the confidence that the business will see sustained growth as their systems are rolled out to global facilities.

Mayor Richard Parker praised the growth of businesses like Controlsforce, emphasizing the importance of supporting local companies in driving regional economic recovery. “The ambition shown by businesses like Controlsforce is crucial to bringing back economic growth to our region – one of my top priorities,” he said. “I am delivering on my commitment to make our region the best place in the UK to do business, and I’m proud to see the investment paying off for Controlsforce.”

BGWM, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), offers tailored support packages to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them grow, adopt digital technologies, transition to new supply chains, and access funding opportunities. SME Grants are delivered in collaboration with local authority members of the WMCA.

Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, also highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses to thrive on the global stage: “By investing in our local enterprises, we are not only helping to boost the regional economy but also showcasing the innovation and excellence Solihull has to offer the world. It was great to visit Controlsforce at their expanded Blythe Valley facilities, and I look forward to seeing them continue their success.”

The growth of Controlsforce marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it strengthens its international presence and further contributes to the region’s economy.