Who we are
Our highly experienced team offer innovative automation solutions for all kinds of manufacturing operations.
Connected thinking, connected solutions.
Click here to read about what we do
By using ingenuity and innovation, we create solutions that are technically effective and offer remarkable value for money. Our customers are delighted with our open approach and the way we respond to their requirements, no matter how unique.
Whilst many of our machines and systems have never been created before, the final result gives something that many manufacturers would be pleased to offer as series units, rather than ‘one off’ or single, automated systems.
We always design with ease of operation, accuracy and reliability in mind so that, although we have access to cutting edge technology, if a simple solution is reliable, cost-effective and gives longevity, we will always try to use it.
In creating these solutions, we are in the very rare position in our industry of having our own impressive portfolio of in-house manufacturing services. This means we can cover all aspects of design, fabrication, machining, mechanical, electrical and electronic assembly, PLC + HMI and robot programming under one roof which allows us to maintain quality, keeps lead-times on track and enables us to complete projects to the customers expected budget.
Our adherence to quality is backed by our UKAS accredited, ISO 9001 certification which is constantly monitored and improved.
When we can’t cover making something ourselves, we only partner with tried and tested suppliers of class-leading components and engineering services.
Our relationships with industry giants like Bosch Rexroth and ABB Robotics mean people who come to us for their products enjoy the same premier service they would expect from them.
Our story
The team soon realised their expertise was not being fully utilised on other people’s machinery. Therefore, our first move to larger premises in Sunbury-on-Thames was necessary and we took on new staff to concentrate on the design and manufacture of special purpose machines.
An increasing client base in the automotive, medical and pharmaceutical industries meant we quickly outgrew the existing site so moved to Lindfield, which was also closer to some of our main customers and many of our staff. Our own machine manufacturing had now outpaced the activity at Heathrow, so we concentrated on this for our future direction and development requiring more staff and engineering specialists.
Our next move to Burgess Hill in 2003 came at a time when we were gaining considerable business in the disposable packaging and aircraft simulator display sectors, while strengthening our reputation as manufacturers of reliable and robust machines in our other core market sectors. This led to increasing demand and, with the requirement for bigger machines and complete production lines, we again needed more space.
We moved to another location in Burgess Hill and developed the first of a new range of 6-axis robot based box-filling machines aimed at the disposable plastic and paper cup/lid industry.
With our business abroad accounting for over 40% of our annual output and expanding into ‘cutting edge’ industries, we formed an alliance with American company DJS Systems Inc in Michigan. This gave us European representation for their range of bagging/counting systems and they were able to cover the USA for our automatic box (case) packing systems.
Our standing as a pre-eminent designer and manufacturer of production line automated solutions has seen our sales grow and necessitated our most recent move in 2017 to our current factory at Bolney.
Many of our staff have been with Ingenia since the beginning and the way we form technical partnerships with customers means many have been with us for over 20 years. We intend to take this innovative and collaborative spirit with us into the future.
Steve’s story
Steve’s fascination with engineering and building things started at an early age when he was given his first Meccano set which he played with for hours. Young Steve was great when it came to anything practical, spending every school holiday working with his father who was a welder/fabricator. Here was where he developed his real passion for engineering and he went on, after leaving school, to become an apprentice on the YTS scheme as a welder / sheet metal worker.
After some years, he moved on to work for a business that produced automated machinery. This is where he really found his true love for, not only everything automated, but also for understanding customer needs and what it takes to achieve the results that are required for successful automation. Steve quickly moved within this company from the sheet metal department to building the automation, running the workshop and looking after the site installations, before deciding to start his own business. After working for some years as a contractor to various automation companies, in 2001 he created the current iteration of Ingenia Solutions.
Like most businesses, there were many ups and downs during the early years but Ingenia is still going strong and has evolved into a group of companies to look after all things automated and metal work related. Steve feels very fortunate to have some excellent people working with him to help create what we have here today.
Steve’s passion for engineering is still the same today as it was playing with that first Meccano set and his drive to build good quality reliable equipment is always at the forefront of everything we do here at Ingenia.
Steve is founder and managing director of Ingenia.
ABB Robotics partner
As a leading ABB Robotics Systems Integrator, we recognise that robots have been proven to deliver a host of benefits in a wide variety of applications. Manufacturers who introduce robots to their production processes typically see significant transformations in their productivity and efficiency. This is achieved by reducing operating costs, improving product quality and consistency, as well as increasing production output rates.
Whatever industry you are in, robot-based automation can be one of the most efficient ways to achieve the production flexibility and reliability that you need. Different types of ABB robots are used in our solutions, depending on your needs in terms of capacity, product weight and package or product size.