SUCCESS
Reflecting on the legacy of Stokesley-based Applied Integration
20 years of innovation
Celebrating 20 years - Garry Lofthouse ( centre ) with fellow Applied Integration directors Graham King ( left ) and Lee Raywood .
Garry Lofthouse , director of Applied Integration , reflects on two decades of innovation , ambition and success for the Stokesley firm
Reaching our 20th anniversary isn ’ t just a milestone - it ’ s a testament to the relentless innovation , audacious ambition and unwavering dedication that have propelled Applied Integration to the forefront of automation and defence .
Since day one , we ’ ve turned challenges into opportunities , set new standards of excellence and revolutionised industries with cutting-edge solutions .
From pioneering robotics to missioncritical defence systems , our work has reshaped the landscape , empowered progress and safeguarded nations .
As we reflect on our extraordinary journey - from a bold startup to a global leader - we ’ re filled with immense pride at the impact we ’ ve made .
Breaking barriers , defining the future Launched on August 1 2005 , we secured our first consultancy contract within 24 hours and surpassed our five-year target in just nine months .
By 2006 , we delivered a groundbreaking turnkey project in oil and gas safety . A pivotal 2007 meeting with Northrop Grumman led to our first multi-million-pound defence contract - entrusted to a small but fiercely capable North Yorkshire team .
Growth surged . We hired our first staff in 2008 ( including our legendary Keith ) and earned BAE Systems ’ praise for “ the best control software ever seen ”. Recognition followed with a 2013 BAE Chairman ’ s Award nomination and a 2015 NECC Manufacturing Award win .
A legacy of bold moves
Never ones to stand still , we ventured into robotic automation , founding our sister company , Applied Scientific Technologies ( AST ), in 2017 .
Our Hyve robot clinched a leading award and our digital-enabled formulation app won the coveted Red Dot Design Award for 2021 / 22 .
Simultaneously , we ascended to Tier-1 Defence Supplier Status , solidifying our reputation as industry leaders .
Our commitment to excellence extended to talent development . In 2019 , we launched Automation Talent Recruitment , bringing in more than 80 specialists nationwide .
Our momentum continued with AST ’ s 2020 Most Innovative Commercial Business award and the deployment of versatile robotic cells across automotive and food industries .
The journey forward In 2025 , we secured Bronze Status in Rolls-Royce ’ s Going for Gold awards - yet another validation of our technical mastery and relentless drive for excellence .
Now a £ 10m powerhouse , we ’ re setting our sights on £ 15m by 2027 , fuelled by unrelenting innovation - though some of our achievements remain classified for national security .
None of this would be possible without our exceptional team , the trust of our clients and the unwavering support of our partners .
To every employee , collaborator and stakeholder : thank you . Your passion and perseverance are the heartbeat of our success .
As we celebrate this milestone , we ’ re not just looking back - we ’ re accelerating forward .
The next 20 years will bring new frontiers to conquer , and with our legacy of expertise and fearless innovation , we ’ re ready to lead the future of automation and defence .
Here ’ s to the next chapter - let ’ s shape the future together .
PS Regret ? Not starting sooner !
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