8th February 2024
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Leading barcode labelling automation manufacturer, Cobalt Systems, has relocated to new premises in Wardle, Cheshire as part of its growth strategy.
The move supports the firm’s growth ambitions over the next 5 years. Investment support has been provided by NPIF-FW Capital Debt Finance which is managed by FW Capital and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Established in 1997, Cobalt Systems is a British manufacturer renowned for its packaging innovation and barcoding automation. The business was previously located in Crewe, Cheshire and has relocated to a larger site on Cheshire Green Industrial Park in Wardle which has been fully fitted out to meet the manufacturing demands of the business. The new premises include a new Visitor Centre and Demonstration Suite. This is a unique offering that gives customers and prospects an insight into Cobalt Systems’ print and apply labelling manufacturing capabilities, showcasing their latest technology and engineering excellence.
Tony Hunt, Managing Director at Cobalt Systems said: “The business has been enjoying significant growth, reporting a 21% increase in our workforce which is still growing as we are currently recruiting for new team members. We operate with international partners and manage projects across the UK, Europe and worldwide. Our export business is an area we are looking to expand and our new premises and the ability to bring in house the CNC component manufacturing will support this.
The funding from FW Capital has assisted our relocation and new job creation plans. We’ve partly funded the move and the combination of this with NPIF’s backing has meant we could relocate to a much bigger facility that is nearly four times bigger than our previous one. It allows us to increase our manufacturing capabilities and deliver a stronger level of support for our partners and distributors. The benefits for Cobalt Systems and our customers are huge. It means reduced lead times from order to delivery, significantly improved manufacturing efficiency, cost and time effective bespoke component production and an increase in the company profitability. The support from Carol Bolland at FW Capital has been excellent. Carol completely understood what we required and acted quickly to structure the right level of funding.”
Carol Bolland, Investment Executive at FW Capital added: “Cobalt Systems is an impressive business and needed to move to larger premises because the previous building was limiting their growth plans. The ability to manufacture CNC components in house is a great step forward and will enhance the support provided to their customers as well as bringing new jobs to the local area. I’m thrilled to be supporting Tony and the team at this exciting stage of their business growth.”
Keira Shepperson, Director at the British Business Bank said: “As Cobalt Systems forges ahead in growth, its relocation and expanded site signifies its entrance to a new phase in its development journey. We’re looking forward to seeing what the business achieves next and how its growth can help the local economy. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund remains dedicated to helping businesses like Cobalt Systems thrive by providing the right finance at the right time, and it’s a pursuit we’ll be continuing with the upcoming launch of NPIF II.”
The current NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.
FW Capital Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a small authorised UK Alternative Investment Fund Manager under firm reference number 506719.
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