Controls firm secures six-figure funding to target high-tech manufacturers support

Controlsforce, which has doubled its turnover over the past two years, has now been appointed by a leading semiconductor manufacturer to support its factories worldwide. The Solihull-based company has secured a £250,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through its appointed fund manager Frontier Development Capital (FDC).

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. It also plans to invest in additional processes, increase stock levels and create three new jobs to support the growing demand.

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. 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 ARLA, Muller and Coca Cola, property and facilities managers such as CBRE and Mitie, as well as 38 NHS hospitals.

Marc Bozdogan, Director, The Force Group 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 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. We are pleased to support Marc and the team with the finance they need to support their rapid expansion.”

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “This investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II 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 that the Fund is playing a role in helping them realise that vision and drive meaningful progress.”

Paul Basil from Birmingham & Solihull Growth Hub provided fundraising advice to Controlsforce.