TECHNOLOGY
Growth – Fitfactory has grown from a oneman office three years ago to having three offices at Fusion Hive in Stockton .
keep track of their energy consumption ,” says Jason , who joined the company in May 2021 .
Fitfactory , which continues to grow and innovate at pace , has recently launched a new app , MES , which stands for Manufacturing Execution System .
The app combines three aspects of technology : machine monitoring , shopfloor data collection to monitor essentially what the human is doing , and production scheduling .
It monitors , controls and optimises manufacturing production and works across multi platforms : mobile , laptop and tablet .
“ These technologies exist separately but we have combined them into one app ,” explains Jason .
“ It was developed by us and uses the latest , cutting-edge technology . It gives businesses clearer visibility and gives them actions – when to schedule parts , for example , to make it more cost-effective .
“ The app was developed because of customer demand . They need to know what their machines are doing , how much energy they ’ re using and if they ’ re even making money from parts after costs .
“ It ’ s taken 18 months to develop and the feedback since our launch has been phenomenal .”
The app ’ s soft launch was held in October with its official launch at the Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Show in February . New and existing clients have already signed up to it .
As well as being cost-effective , timesaving and able to provide the key information so businesses can make quick decisions , the app also helps companies with carbon reduction .
Jason , who is on the advisory boards of Make UK and Northern Automotive Alliance , says : “ If you take Nissan , as an example , they are already carbon optimised , but they may have 300 companies in their supply chain . It ’ s
the supply chain that will take the responsibility for carbon reduction .
“ Everyone is saying the same thing – they are all looking to make their supply chain reduce their carbon emissions . This app really makes a difference .”
Fitfactory has grown to a team of 21 full-time employees , a 50 per cent increase in the past year . Its aim by the end of 2024 is to have grown to a team of 31 .
Marketing manager Laura Neilson says : “ We ’ re growing across the whole business . New roles will be released on our website and on LinkedIn .”
If the firm continues its growth trajectory , it will be on the lookout for new premises soon but its passion for the region will keep it in the Tees region .
“ I started in a one-man office three years ago and now we have three offices in the building ,” says Jason .
Laura adds : “ We ’ re Teesside-based and so many great things are happening here that we want to stay here .”
So , what is the company ’ s secret to its success ? “ Having the right people ,” says Laura . “ Definitely ,” agrees Jason . “ Having the right people and having the right culture has taken time to get right and now we have .
“ Last year , we had zero turnover of staff , which is great , especially in this industry , where jobs are so available and we ’ re competing with remote roles in London and London salaries .
“ We offer competitive salaries and have created the right culture where everybody knows they have their own impact on the business .
“ I always say that my main role is to make everyone else ’ s roles easier .”
Employees ’ incentives include flexible working and 25 days ’ holiday plus bank holidays and birthdays off . Team members can also take two days ’ voluntary work a year .
“ Everyone has the freedom and flexibility to take new courses and learn new skills ,” adds Jason .
“ We allow people to take the time to complete studies .
“ We also have company-wide bonuses based on performance – everyone had a bonus last year .
“ My view is that everyone is an adult . They know they have a job to do so it doesn ’ t matter where they do it .”
Laura adds that the “ very friendly atmosphere ” lures the team into the office more often than not and boosts collaboration .
Jason says : “ It ’ s about finding out what everyone ’ s interests are – they may want to study or go out networking or support a charity .
“ Anna Conley , our finance director , is a trustee of Age UK . She also goes out networking , which is something you wouldn ’ t normally expect an accountant to do , but that ’ s an area she wanted to develop .
“ Fred Okwute , our operations director , is doing a course at university to expand his learning .
“ Giving people the flexibility which makes their lives feel more fulfilled both in and out of work inevitably leads to a more successful business .”
Visit fitfactory . com
The voice of business in the Tees region | 77