20 | Tees Business
“ We ’ re targeting technology that doesn ’ t even exist right now .”
>> But they had seriously underestimated demand for the automated control systems they could design , build and deliver to the very highest of standards .
Applied Integration smashed the directors ’ five-year business targets within its first 12 months . Then the giant leap forward every business dreams of came from completely left-field – not , as they might have expected , from the commercial world they had planned to focus on but the defence sector .
The then three-year-old company ’ s new client was global giant Northrop Grumman – and their contract was to design , build and deliver world-leading automated control systems for the Ministry of Defence for installation on submarine technology experts say is on a par with the space shuttle .
Although top line delivery for the last of four Astute-class submarines is due over the next 18 months , the firm will provide through-life support for the next 25 years , equating to a programme of more than 40 years through to 2046 .
“ The defence project has been a huge success for us ,” nods Garry . “ We class it as our lottery win .
“ It gave us an incredibly steep learning curve but it forced us to raise the bar to a level where we were able to meet the highest demands of customers who lead the world in their own market sectors .
“ It opened so many doors for us and helped make the business what it is today . Prospective clients are naturally keen to know your potential so will often ask ‘ What ’ s your largest project ?’
“ When we answer that we ’ ve designed the systems for the Astute nuclear submarine programme it tells them all they need to know .”
At one point , the company ’ s contract with the Ministry of Defence represented 80 % of the firm ’ s income . That ’ s now changed to closer to 50-50 with commercial work .
“ It was always a concern that we had all of our eggs in the defence basket ,” Garry admits . “ We realised we couldn ’ t rest on our laurels . Over the years the commercial work has continued to grow and is now starting to overtake the defence work .”
His vision having propelled Applied Integration into a £ 3m operation , Garry began to look to the advances being made within the field of robotics and artificial intelligence . Midway through 2017 Applied Scientific Technologies was born , with Garry and fellow director Lee joining forces with robotics specialist Jamie Marsay , who was looking for new opportunities after 17 years working for another laboratory automation supplier .
His two companies now work side-byside , with the UK ’ s leading independent automation systems integrator moving into the science and emerging technologies arena by helping to launch the pioneering suppliers of custom-built robotic automated systems and instrumentation .
Garry recalls : “ We highlighted 18 months ago that key and critical for our business were autonomous robots . We identified that this was where we needed to be .
“ We were initially looking to create something within Applied Integration , but then Jamie ’ s CV came up . We knew Jamie a little already and it was clear we had the same goals .
“ He wants to lead a business at the forefront of innovation , which is exactly what we want , utilising the synergies between the robot world and our industrial world .
“ Without Jamie , we ’ d have gone ahead with the idea of autonomous robotic control systems but he brought great ideas and concepts to the table , as well as vast experience and knowledge of the field . It ’ s our challenge to transform those concepts into reality .”
Although the firm is currently in a heavy research and investment stage , Applied Scientific Technologies has already launched its first innovation . The Hyve acts as a robotic scientist , an artificial intelligence system designed to make advancements in chemistry and biotechnology .
The robotic autonomous system allows companies to build their own research scientist or production line operative , with machine intelligence allowing it to interact with operatives to undertake tasks too dangerous or difficult for humans to tackle .
“ The new business has huge potential ,” says Garry , with total confidence . “ This is the future . We ’ re talking cutting edge of cutting edge technologies .
“ We ’ re looking at Industry 4.0 , IoT ( Internet of Things ) and advanced autonomous robotics , so it really is the leading edge of technology . Applied Integration is already there in the industrial sector but there is great synergy between the two companies .”
Along with their first commercial order for the Hyve , Applied Scientific Technologies will soon launch a prototype system Garry confidently predicts will cause a storm within the fast moving consumer goods ( FMCG ), life sciences and speciality chemicals research arenas .
“ Experts within the international brand that has become our first customer for the Hyve had only seen our 3D design drawings before placing a significant order with us ,” he says . “ They have told us our solution is unique , that our visions are worth investing in .
“ Once the prototype is built , we ’ ll start showing the world . There is a gap in the market for easy-to-use intelligent robots .
“ We ’ ve had several meetings with senior people representing world class product suppliers who have been unanimous in their belief that what we ’ re doing is a gamechanger for the industry .
“ The expertise we have means we ’ re confident in being able to overcome any challenges . We aim to set the bar so high that globally we ’ ll be years ahead of the competition .
“ We ’ re targeting technology that doesn ’ t even exist right now .”
Within five years Applied Scientific Technologies are projecting to build up to 50 Hyve systems annually , with customers able to order off-the-shelf technology via a website and receive the product within two