An industrial controls company that is developing a new service for high-tech industries has secured funding to support its growth plans following a number of major contract wins.
Solihull-based Controlsforce, which has doubled its turnover over the past two years, has now been appointed by a semiconductor manufacturer to support its factories worldwide.
The company has secured a £250,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund through its appointed fund manager Frontier Development Capital.
The funding will enable it to further develop the new service which helps chip makers and data centres to monitor the efficiency and reliability of their plants and products.
The company also plans to invest in additional processes, increase stock levels and create three new jobs to support the growing demand.
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Controlsforce is one of four companies in The Force Group, which was founded by Marc Bozdogan, a former aerospace engineer who started his first business in 2009 selling valves online from his spare room.
The group now employs 30 people and offers specialist industrial products and services covering valves, controls, heat exchangers, pumps and steam systems.
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A major part of its work is helping companies to adopt green technology and work towards achieving net zero.
Customers include major manufacturers such as yoghurt brand Müller, global drinks giant Coca Cola, property managers CBRE and Mitie and nearly 40 NHS hospitals.
Force Group director Marc Bozdogan said: "Controls are key to the way industry works today.
"Whereas 20 years ago engineers mainly focused on mechanical repairs, today machinery is remotely monitored so trends can be analysed and any faults detected and fixed before a breakdown occurs.
"We are specialists in industrial control and monitoring and are constantly developing our services. The funding will help us to maintain our growth and establish Controlsforce as the leading independent of its type within the region."
Raj Minhas, investment manager at Birmingham-based Frontier Development Capital, added: "High-tech industries which require carefully controlled environments are creating demand for specialist support services.
"Controlsforce has been quick to seize the opportunity and, as a result, has won projects worldwide.
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"We are pleased to support Marc and the team with the finance they need to support their rapid expansion."
David Tindall is senior investment manager at the British Business Bank which runs the Midlands Engine Investment Fund.
He said: "This investment demonstrates how important access to finance can be. From enabling growth and expansion to supporting businesses to adopt green technology, Controlforce has a clear vision for its future and the wider industry.
"We are pleased the fund is playing a role in helping them realise that vision and drive meaningful progress."
Birmingham & Solihull Growth Hub provided fundraising advice to Controlsforce.