Industry’s desire for greater precision and control, as well as additive manufacturing (AM) solutions, has helped
Carfulan Group, an advanced manufacturing specialist, post its best-ever results. The company, which operates from its £3 million Advanced Innovation Centre in Derbyshire, has enjoyed a 17% increase in sales taking its total to £22.3 million over the last 12 months, with demand from customers for more automation and a boom in defence spending driving growth.
Run by brothers Chris and Matt Fulton, the company supports over 500 customers to work smarter and faster by giving them access to multi-sensor measurement (OGP UK), 3-D printing (SYS Systems), turned part measurement (VICIVISION UK) and optical measurement (Metrios UK) solutions. The final solution in its portfolio is Zoller UK, a specialist range of tool presetting, inspection and storage products. Here, the company has enjoyed the largest upturn in fortunes with an 81% year-on-year increase in sales. To cope with the surge in demand across its portfolio, Carfulan Group has created eight new jobs, taking its highly skilled workforce to 59 people.
Managing director Chris Fulton said: “There is a renewed appetite to invest in advanced manufacturing to help combat rising costs, optimise processes and to manufacture complex components. It is not just the big OEMs either. We are seeing an increase in interest from all sectors of the supply chain and from several new adopters. This is really exciting, as our technical experts can get under the skin of a business in a bid to deliver lots of added value, cost savings and efficiencies.”
Multi-sensor metrology systemsHe continued: “Growth has come from all parts of the product portfolio and we have seen several new introductions over the last 12 months. This has included OGP UK’s M-Series heralding in a new era of multi-senor metrology systems, the new confocal laser added to the VICIVISION techno systems and the Metrios 332, the first larger platform for shopfloor metrology. 3-D printing remains a strong market for us, with SYS Systems gaining significant traction into the dental sector through the Stratasys’ J5 DentaJet printer and the patented TrueDent CE-marked resin. This combination is proving a game-changer for the profession and patients alike.”
Founded in 1991 by the brothers’ parents Andrew and Angela, Carfulan Group has evolved into a critical partner to industry, helping it design freely, manufacture efficiently and measure accurately. The company uses its Advanced Innovation Centre as a base for showcasing how its advanced metrology and 3-D printing systems can be tailored to suit the end-use application of customers, as well as offering extensive after-care support, training, servicing, and maintenance.
To assist with its customer-first strategy, the business recently completed the high-profile appointment of John Taylor as its customer success director. He had previously spent 18 years at American Express and will use his experience with the financial giant to build even better customer experiences.
Chris explained: “Our attention to detail and level of client service is what really sets us apart from other advanced manufacturing-solution providers. Attracting John to our business is a big coup and highlights the importance we place on building long-term client relationships. They are the bedrock of our culture and will continue to be as we move into our 35th year of business. 2026 is going to be a big year for Carfulan with plans being finalised for another landmark appearance at
MACH 2026, the UK’s largest manufacturing show.”