Tewkesbury-based Geometric Manufacturing has secured a £1m loan to fund further major investments across its production facilities. The business manufactures critical components for the defence, cybersecurity, and security sectors.
The company secured the funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through appointed fund manager Frontier Development Capital. Geometric currently employs nearly 100 people across three sites in Gloucestershire.
CEO Paul Wenham, a well-known champion of UK manufacturing, has already overseen more than £6m in capital investment over the last nine years. That funding helped automate factory processes while improving overall product quality and operational efficiency.
Driving Growth Through Automation and Apprenticeships
Geometric has installed state-of-the-art CNC machines across its facilities. Furthermore, the business developed its own proprietary range of machine-tending robots. The firm now actively sells these robotic systems to other machining businesses across the sector.
Alongside technology, the manufacturer invests heavily in workforce development through its dedicated degree apprenticeship scheme. This dual approach to innovation and training has delivered dramatic commercial results:
- Revenue Impact: Geometric doubled its turnover over the past four years.
- Job Creation: The business nearly doubled its total headcount during the same period.
- Future Targets: Management aims to grow turnover by a further 50% over the next two years while adding at least six new apprentices annually.
Founded in 2002 by Paul Wenham and his late father, Brian, the company manufactures specialized parts for counter-drone systems, submarines, and cybersecurity hardware. Strategic acquisitions in 2019 and 2024 expanded its capabilities into rubber and plastic moulding, as well as sheet metal fabrication. Today, all operations run smoothly across its three integrated sites.
Expanding Unmanned Production Lines
The new £1m loan will allow Geometric to install robots on four additional CNC machining lines. Consequently, these will match the five existing lines currently operating unmanned around the clock.
Additionally, the firm plans to upgrade its sheet metal fabrication division. Upcoming capability expansions include 3D printing, laser welding, and an automated insertion plant.
Paul Wenham, CEO of Geometric Manufacturing, stated: “Investment is vital if UK manufacturing is to remain competitive. Automation is improving productivity and changing the nature of factory work. Factory jobs are no longer boring and low-skilled. Robots can take over repetitive tasks, but we need highly skilled workers to program them, which is why we launched our degree apprenticeship.
“Robots are certainly not stealing jobs. Our business has grown significantly and created jobs as a result of using robots. We have invested heavily in recent years and the latest funding will enable us to continue moving forward.”
Strong Demand in Strategic Sectors
Andy Green of Frontier Development Capital praised Geometric’s progressive approach to technology and skills. He highlighted that rising defence spending, heightened cybersecurity needs, and anti-drone demand will continue driving strong market growth for the firm.
The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II supports small and medium-sized enterprises across the entire Midlands region. By offering equity investments up to £5m and debt finance from £25k to £2m, the fund aims to break down financial barriers, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth.
