Summary:
The UK company manufactures water boilers, used to make hot drinks in catering facilities, from small snack bars right up to large hospitals. In recent years, it has also specialised in the production of water boilers for use on-board trains, each being designed to the rail customer’s specific needs. It wishes to collaborate with galley manufacturers, train upgraders / builders or catering companies in France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, under manufacturing / subcontracting agreements.
Description:
The UK engineering company has been supplying catering hot water boilers for over 70 years.
Its range of counter-top and wall-mounted boilers are designed and manufactured in its purpose-built factory, using the latest technologies including 3D CAD software, computer-controlled CNC machines, press-brakes, automated tube benders, modern welding equipment and 3D printers. The standard boilers range in size from 3l – 20l and include options offering higher taps (to allow for the filling of flasks or other containers) or faster water flow rates.
The boilers are supplied to customers in a wide range of applications including:
• the healthcare sector (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes)
• catering facilities (cafes, restaurants, hotels, conference centres etc)
• educational institutions
• offshore (on oil rigs and in Royal Navy vessels)
• industry and commerce (staff canteens, rest rooms etc).
20 years ago, the company began also to specialise in the design and manufacture of water boilers specifically for the rail sector, for use on-board trains. These boilers are bespoke and unique to each customer’s requirements, allowing rail companies to offer hot drinks services to their passengers. The company’s design team works with the customers to understand their needs and develop the initial concept. A working prototype is then produced, for on-board trials, before being sent for independent 3rd party testing and approval prior to production.
The company’s water boilers have been supplied to rail companies in the UK (for e.g. Virgin Trains, First Great Western, ScotRail and East Coast) and also more recently to other European clients including Eurostar, Siemens and Bombardier.
Having experienced significant growth in the last year, the company is now keen to develop its export markets. It therefore wishes to find partners in the rail sector, but also in other catering industries, with whom it could collaborate. Potential partners could be firms who offer galley kitchen fit out services, train manufacturers or refurbishers or other companies involved in the provision of catering facilities. Cooperation is envisaged with partners from Germany, France, Ireland and the Netherlands under a manufacturing or subcontracting agreement.
Type (e.g. company, R&D institution…), field of industry and Role of Partner Sought:
Ideal partners would be organisations experienced in supplying the rail networks, who will be aware of forthcoming projects where an improved refreshment service is required. They could be galley manufacturers, train builders / refurbishers or catering companies who provide hot drinks catering services on trains. They would be expected to provide a specification of what is required and work with the UK company on the development and testing on-board.
The UK firm is also interested in partnering with other catering equipment suppliers / users who require the manufacture and supply of hot water boilers on a medium- to long-term basis.
Stage of Development:
Already on the market
External code:
BOUK20200917001
