Sunswap is expanding its manufacturing capability with a new facility at its headquarters in Leatherhead, Surrey. The facility will produce Sunswap’s Endurance transport refrigeration units (TRUs) for U.K. and European customers.
The investment in U.K. manufacturing capabilities follows growing demand from major retailers and logistics companies, including recent agreements with global logistics providers and leasing firms such as DFDS and TIP, as well as British-based manufacturers Samworth Brothers, Staples Vegetables, and Cranswick, the company reported. While Sunswap initially partnered with third-party manufacturers, the rapid growth in orders and Series B funding have enabled accelerated development of in-house production.
“Building our own manufacturing facility has always been core to Sunswap’s plans,” Sunswap CEO Michael Lowe said in a news release. “The recent fundraising success and growing customer interest in Endurance has accelerated our timeline. We’re proud to invest in British manufacturing and engineering talent as we scale up production of zero-emission transport refrigeration technology.”
The Leatherhead facility gives Sunswap complete oversight of production quality and assembly processes. Co-location with the engineering team enables rapid implementation of product improvements and swift response to customer feedback. The expanded facility will create 75 manufacturing jobs in Surrey.
Additionally, as Sunswap expands into Europe, the business will have the flexibility to scale up production to meet new demand. The facility was designed with capacity to scale up production as European expansion continues.
Helen Maguire, a U.K. member of parliament, recently visited Sunswap’s newly opened facility while joined by the leadership team from Sunswap’s investors at the Clean Growth Fund and Barclays. Upon viewing the facility, she said: “Sunswap is a great example of how investment in innovative technologies is driving progress towards net zero. This key area of investment is creating jobs and supporting the transition to a greener economy.
“I’m delighted to have a local company here in Leatherhead showing the very best of British engineering and manufacturing.”
