Telford-based Iconsys, an automation and industrial drive systems specialist, is ramping up its operations in the maritime industry with the appointment of Tim Munn as consultant for business development in marine and ports. He joins the company after spending nearly 15 years at ABB, latterly as head of sales for marine and ports.

Iconsys is set to move into a new purpose-built £3 million 17,500ft² headquarters, in Stafford Park, Telford, which is backed by a £150,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Marches Building Investment Grant Scheme. The move will create over 10 additional jobs, adding to the current 50 strong workforce.

Managing director Nick Darrall said the company is aiming to grow its turnover to £20 million in the next four years and strengthen its market share in key industry sectors such as marine.

Mr Darrall added: “Iconsys already has a proud history of building integrated power and control systems for ‘back of deck’ applications for ships and in ports but, we are only scratching the surface of what we offer into the marine sector.”

“Bringing in Tim, with his background in marine automation with ABB and his work as co-chair of the National Maritime’s SME working group, we want to catapult Iconsys into green propulsion solutions and electrical and controls infrastructure for zero-emission vessels. We feel that Iconsys is a sleeping giant in the maritime sector. We have a huge amount to offer and can help customers improve efficiency and reduce overheads by offering bespoke solutions.”

Mr Munn said: “We want to grow Iconsys into the maritime propulsion space offering purpose-built integrated power and propulsion systems. A big benefit Iconsys has is its flexibility to offer a vast range of equipment from all the main global OEMs as it has OEM partner approvals.

“But the twist is that Iconsys is totally independent and by using our new combined expertise we can help customers find the green propulsion solution tailored to their needs. Another big benefit, that really attracted me to work with Iconsys, is its purpose-built cloud infrastructure for remote-monitoring of power and automation systems. This enables us to offer the latest digital efficiencies.”

Mr Munn revealed that Iconsys will initially be targeting its propulsion systems at shipyards, and boat owners operating, small- to medium-size vessels. He said the solutions are especially suited to windfarm vessels, patrol boats and short sea ferries powered by electric using either batteries or fuel cells. He said another prime area for growth was shore-to-ship power systems, an area it is seeing increased demand from port companies around the UK and overseas.

“Through National Marine I am working closely with like-minded SMEs around the UK to provide a bigger voice within the UK maritime sector. This helps us find new partners and opportunities across Iconsys’ portfolio of power and automation systems.”