Geometrik lands £1m loan to expand defence manufacturing sites
What's the deal? Geometrik ManufacturingDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a maker of components for the defence and security sectors, has secured a £1m loan from the Midlands Engine Investment FundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → II, delivered by fund manager Frontier Development CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The company employs almost 100 people across three sites in Tewkesbury.
What does it make? Geometrik produces parts for counter-drone systems, submarines, and cybersecurity hardware. Founded in 2002 by Paul Wenham and his late father, Brian Wenham, it has expanded through two acquisitions — a rubber and plastic moulding firm in 2019 and a sheet metal fabrication business in 2024.
What's the money for? The loan will fund robots on four more CNC machining lines, matching five existing lines that already run unmanned around the clock. Geometrik also plans to upgrade its sheet metal fabrication and add 3D printing, laser welding, and an automated insertion plant.
Why now? The raise follows more than £6m invested over the past nine years — spending that has doubled turnover in four years. Geometrik now aims to grow turnover by a further 50% over the next two years and create at least six new apprenticeships annually.
What's the endgame? Chief executive Paul Wenham frames automation as a growth engine, not a threat to jobs. "They are certainly not stealing jobs — our business has grown significantly and created jobs as a result of using robots," he said.
The signal: The deal reflects rising demand tied to defence spending. Andy Green of Frontier Development Capital said greater defence budgets, "the need for anti-drone systems and improved cybersecurity are all likely to increase demand for their products in the future."
Image credit: Fagor Automation
