NEWS COMMENT


Welcome to the Autumn issue of UK Manufacturing. In many


CNC machining environments, lasers and machine tools are treated as separate


processes, sometimes even separate departments. However, as production requirements become more complex, manufacturers are looking at the potential to optimise workflows between laser cutting and CNC machining. Find out how on page 14 of this issue.


Victoria White, Editor L L CONTROL FREAKS EXPANDS UK OPERATIONS


incolnshire-based automation and electrical engineering specialist Control Freaks has completed a major office relocation and expansion, opening its new headquarters at Holbeach Technology Park.


The move represents a major investment in the company’s operational capability, providing a manufacturing facility six times larger than its previous site and creating space for new technical development and engineering roles. Established in 2006 by managing director Clint Johnson, Control Freaks has evolved into one of the UK’s most trusted names in industrial automation, specialising in the design, build, and integration of control systems that combine PLC, SCADA, motion control, and robotics technologies.


The company’s new base at Unit 2, Holbeach Technology Park, PE12 7PT, includes modern offices, a dedicated reception area, a technical development office, boardroom, and logistics hub, along with an energy-efficient manufacturing environment designed


for scalability and collaboration.


Johnson commented: “This expansion is about more than space — it’s about investing in our people, our technology, and our clients’ success. The new headquarters gives us the capability to deliver more advanced automation solutions and reinforces our position as a leading independent systems integrator.”


www.controlfreaksltd.co.uk EXOTEC CELEBRATES DECADE OF INNOVATION


eading automated warehouse robotics solutions provider Exotec is celebrating ten years since its founding.


Over the past decade, Exotec’s technology has transformed the day-to-day operations of warehouses globally and has deployed over 10,000 of its cutting-edge Skypod robots. Those robots have completed over 938 million cycles, billions of customer orders, and saved over 90 million kilometres of walking for warehouse operators, the same as 119 return trips to the moon. Since its founding, Exotec has become one of the fastest-scaling players in warehouse automation, with its Skypod system now deployed at over 200 customer sites worldwide. The company’s philosophy of elegant, plug-and-play automation has enabled it to create end-to-end warehouse solutions for the likes of Gap Inc., Uniqlo and Carrefour, surpassing $1billion in sales in 2024. UK Manufacturing had the opportunity to see Exotec’s impressive Skypod system in action at the recent IMHX exhibition. Launched by co-founders Romain Moulin and Renaud Heitz, the Skypod system offers a flexible alternative to traditional warehouse automation, with Exotec developing a suite of products for end-to-end automation. These include Skypath, Exotec’s own conveyor system, and the Deepsky warehouse execution system (WES) software suite. Both of these help businesses tackle complex warehouse challenges at scale. Efficiencies gained by these systems allow warehouse operators to reduce the physical strain on staff whilst providing industry-leading throughput and


order accuracy. This leads to faster delivery times, reduced errors, safer working environments and an enhanced ability to meet evolving consumer expectations. The intralogistics industry has been constrained by rigid, high-cost automation systems that fail to adapt to shifting demand. Exotec has filled this gap for the last ten years, with a modular AS/RS solution that enables customers to scale without sacrificing efficiency.


“Ten years ago, Renaud and I set out to build a robotics solution that solved ongoing warehouse frustrations. Today’s milestone demonstrates our continued growth and the confidence our customers place in our technology,” said Romain Moulin, CEO and co-founder of Exotec. “At Exotec we work closely with technology partners, such as E80 Group, to tailor systems for industry-specific needs, aiming to provide customers with a unified end-to-end automation solution. This approach ensures that our systems not only deliver efficiency on the warehouse floor but also connect into broader supply chain strategies.” “As we look to the next decade, our role is evolving. Customers don’t want individual products– they want integrated solutions that connect seamlessly. Our focus is to be a trusted partner to deliver complete automation systems at scale.” As Exotec enters its next decade, it remains committed to shaping the future of intelligent supply chains worldwide.


www.exotec.com UKManufacturing Autumn 2025 5


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