Carfulan Group, an advanced manufacturing solutions provider based in Derbyshire, United Kingdom, has reported record revenues of £22.3 million for the past twelve months, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. The company attributed the growth to increasing demand for automation, additive manufacturing, and precision-measurement technologies, alongside a rise in defence-sector investment. Operations are centred at the £3 million Advanced Innovation Centre, which functions as a demonstration and support hub for clients adopting digital manufacturing systems.
Founded in 1991 by Andrew and Angela Fulton, the business is now run by their sons Chris and Matt Fulton and supports more than 500 clients across its five divisions. OGP UK supplies multi-sensor measurement equipment, SYS Systems provides 3D printing solutions, VICIVISION UK focuses on turned-part measurement, and Metrios UK develops optical metrology platforms. The company’s fifth division, ZOLLER UK, which specializes in tool presetting, inspection, and storage systems, recorded the largest annual growth within the group—an 81 percent sales increase. To meet rising demand, Carfulan created eight new positions, expanding its workforce to 59.
Managing Director Chris Fulton said manufacturing firms are investing to offset higher production costs and improve process efficiency. “There is a renewed appetite to invest in advanced manufacturing to help combat rising costs, optimise processes, and to manufacture complex components,” he said. “It’s not just the big OEMs either. We’re seeing an increase in interest from all parts of the supply chain and from several new adopters.” Fulton added that technical specialists collaborate closely with customers to identify areas for added value and cost savings.
Several recent product introductions have contributed to the group’s expansion. OGP UK launched the M-Series, a new generation of multi-sensor metrology systems; VICIVISION UK integrated a confocal-laser module into its Techno systems; and Metrios UK released the Metrios 332, a larger shop-floor measurement platform. SYS Systems, Carfulan’s additive manufacturing arm and a Stratasys distributor, has seen strong adoption in the dental sector, where the J5 DentaJet printer and TrueDent CE-marked resin are gaining traction for producing dental appliances with improved consistency and precision.
Carfulan continues to develop its customer-service strategy through its Innovation Centre, which offers live demonstrations, training, and after-sales support. To enhance client experience, the company appointed John Taylor as Customer Success Director, a new role focused on customer relations. Taylor previously spent 18 years at American Express, bringing extensive experience in service development and customer engagement. “Our attention to detail and level of client service is what really sets us apart from other advanced manufacturing solution providers,” Fulton said. He added that long-term relationships remain central to the company’s culture as it approaches its 35th year in business. Plans are being finalised for another landmark appearance at MACH 26, the UK’s leading manufacturing exhibition.
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Featured photo shows Matt and Chris Fulton. Photo via Carfulan Group.
