A North East based company that manufactures USB3.0 interfaces for a range of cameras has reached a key milestone, following a 6-figure investment from the Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund.
Vision systems manufacturer VREO Innovation Ltd has brought its manufacturing activities in-house following a move into larger premises. The company, now based in a 2400 sq. ft. factory unit in North Shields, previously had to outsource the work to China.
VREO specialises in producing vision based system solutions to solve real world problems. Its USB3.0 interfaces allow a number of camera modules to be used to stream footage in full HD, in a range of industries including robotics, virtual reality, drones, oil & gas pipe inspection and industrial endoscopy. By producing high resolution still images of 13 megapixels and cameras with 30x optical zoom, the technology also enables companies to visually inspect infrastructure, pilot unmanned vehicles or allow robots to operate autonomously.
The move into the new factory has enabled the company to install its own full surface mount production line. By bringing the manufacturing process in-house VREO is able to achieve a rapid prototyping turnaround for the bespoke projects it supports. It is also able to offer assembly of printed circuit boards to other North East manufacturers.
VREO founder Mark Vernon believes that the new factory is an important step in plans to become a UK-based vision manufacturer: “Our goal has always been to put the North East on the global stage and this is now being realised” he said. “Manufacturing all our products in-house opens up a range of new opportunities”.
VREO employs an ethical technology selection process, choosing to work on projects that improve the environment or enhance the world we live in. There are a number of exciting new developments in the VREO pipeline which will further support their ethical technology positioning, including vision systems for space and the blue economy.
One of VREO’s products was recently selected to be sent into space: Unity (the first USB3.0 interface VREO released) tested the best amongst competitors for separation events on spacecraft and is due to be installed on The International Space Station in June 2016, shortly after British Astronaut Tim Peake’s historic visit.
The company has grown quickly since being founded by Mark and Commercial Director Karen Weech. Alongside a rapidly expanding client base spread across 19 countries, VREO has added two full time employees to its team following the Accelerator Fund investment.
Of the investment, Karen says: “The investment we received from Northstar Ventures has allowed us to expand our offering and increase manufacturing in the North East. Our technology has potential benefits for a range of industries and having a partner who believes in our ideas and shares our vision is invaluable.”
“For Unity to have been selected as part of the vision system solution for The International Space Station is a testimony to North East design and manufacturing.”
Want to hear more?
Why not listen to an interview with Karen on BBC Radio Newcastle (just scroll to approx. 01:28- 01.31 for the full story!)