HPL Prototypes, which employs 30 people at the Windmill Industrial Estate in Allesley, near Coventry, is to expand its premises.

The company, which specialises in creating prototypes for the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors, is building a high-tech design studio and production area using money from the Regional Growth Fund and an Innovation Networks grant from Coventry University Enterprises.

The company has been supported by Clearing House, a one-stop support and advice organisation formed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership as part of its City Deal bid.

The partners involved in Clearing House include Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry University, the University of Warwick and the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

HPL CEO Stuart LeCornu said: “Our business is focused on working with the design studios of our customers, and we have been extending our studio capability so that we can do more work for our current and new customers. We also want to develop the business into composite materials, so we will have small-production-run areas.”


Mr LeCornu added: “The Clearing House has been really valuable, not only in terms of gaining grants but also in ‘signposting’ companies such as the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s Automotive Composites Research Centre, and we are attending industry networking events that are really useful.

Our workforce will grow by up to 10 people, and we have had help through the Skills 4 Growth organisation to arrange two graduate placements.”