Based in Bromborough, Goodwin’s 12-strong team specialises in the design and supply of products and systems that control motion in industrial machinery. Tony McDonough reports

Goodwin Electronics hasn’t stayed in business for almost four decades without knowing how to adapt to a rapidly-changing world.

Originally based in Ellesmere Port and now working out of the Croft Business Park in Bromborough, Goodwin’s 12-strong team specialises in the design and supply of products and systems that control motion in industrial machinery.

It is a supplier of ready-made equipment but it can also design bespoke motion systems to suit the individual requirements of a customer and it works across a number of manufacturing sectors, mainly in the UK.

Circuit boards

The firm can also design and manufacture printed circuit boards for use within their motion systems and is involved in a project with one client where it has designed an automated system for loading van chassis with changeable rear sections.

This is particularly aimed at the Home Delivery market to avoid drivers queuing outside supermarkets to load up. The rear sections are dismounted and loaded while the driver is out delivering. This speeds up deliveries and reduces the number of vehicles required.

Goodwin has had a number of owners since its formation and is currently run by managing director John Owen, who took over the business in 2003. Three years ago it took on current sales director Dave Dilworth, a hugely experienced operator who has worked in the industrial systems business since 1970.

Brexit challenges

Dave explained how Goodwin was continuing to grow through innovation and being pro-pro-active in the face of industrial change and emerging markets. In particular, it has tackled head-on the challenge thrown up by the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the UK’s departure from the EU.

“We took a look at what might happen post-Brexit and how we ensure continuity of supply when it comes to the products that are essential to our business,” said Dave. “We had stock that was manufactured in a number of countries but was supplied through a warehouse based in Germany and there was a concern that there could be disruption to that supply line.”

With that real risk on mind, Goodwin has now secured a deal to be a Technical Distributor Partner for Control Techniques, a company based in mid-Wales that also has a long history in the variable speed drive sector.

Both companies have substantial stock of the equipment necessary to service their client base and Control Techniques’ manufacturing centre in Newtown, mid-Wales, is expanding to ensure continuity of supply during any post-Brexit import issues.

Renewable energy

Dave adds that Goodwin Electronics is also expanding into new areas, adding: “For any business such as ours to survive and prosper we simply cannot stand still. Our System Engineering and Control Panel Design has stood us in good stead since our conception and still will do, but we need to add additional strings to our bow such as marine”

One of those areas is in the offshore renewables sector, a huge growth area in the UK, particularly in the Liverpool with region and the wider North West. Goodwin is a member of local industry body Mersey Maritime.

“We are partners in a five-year project with Instream Energy Systems, which is a specialist in tidal marine and inland waterway renewable energy. The project is partially funded by Innovate UK, The UK’s Innovation Agency.

“There is considerable opportunity for expansion within that sector outside of the offshore wind turbine sector. It is a very big market for Goodwin Electronics.”