Unipart Manufacturing is set to play a key role in Project PULSE (Power electronics Upscale for Localisation and Sustainable Electrification), an £11million initiative funded by the UK government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
The project, led by Protean Electric, brings together five industrial partners and two leading universities – Coventry University and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) – to industrialise the assembly and manufacture of inverters and converters in the UK.
Project PULSE aims to accelerate the development and industrialisation of cutting-edge in-wheel motor and fuel-cell technology, capitalising on the growing market demand and boosting UK-based production capabilities in the process.
As a key partner in this consortium, Unipart will establish a flexible power electronics manufacturing capability at its Beresford Avenue manufacturing site in Coventry.
The state-of-the-art facility will support the development and production of high-power DCDC converters and inverters, leveraging advanced vision systems, flow management, and end-of-line testing to enhance efficiency and quality.
By 2030, this project will create or safeguard 159 jobs in the UK and, importantly, will save 1.2million tonnes of CO2 every year.
“This project underscores our commitment to driving innovation in the UK manufacturing sector,” said Andy Davis, Business Development Director of Unipart Manufacturing.
“By collaborating with Protean, Viritech, and our academic partners, we’re not just expanding our capabilities, we’re also playing a crucial role in establishing a sustainable and resilient domestic supply chain for power electronics.”
Project PULSE will deliver a first-of-its-kind flexible manufacturing line, focusing on increasing local supply chain content and integrating innovative low-carbon production methods.
The collaboration with Coventry University and WMG ensures latest research and development is seamlessly integrated into industrialisation, positioning the UK as a leader in power electronics manufacturing.
Darren Herbert, Principal Design & Development Engineer at Unipart Manufacturing
Carol Rose Burke, Managing Director of Unipart Manufacturing, added: “This project is testament to the strength of domestic manufacturing and our ability to respond to industry challenges with innovative solutions.
“We’re excited to contribute to an initiative that not only advances power electronics technology but also supports the UK’s journey towards sustainable electrification.”
Unipart Manufacturing is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, helping customers across the world take time, cost and carbon emissions out of the production equation.
The company is playing a key role in driving the UK’s electrification journey and clean growth future, with 800 engineering experts and supply chain specialists employed in Coventry and, following a recent acquisition, at Unipart Polymer and Composite Solutions in Portsmouth.
This gives it access to an unrivalled level of design, production and commercialisation expertise and capabilities, all reinforced by more than 30 years of history supporting the demanding requirements of the automotive sector.
Carol Rose concluded: “As we embark on this exciting journey with Project PULSE, we encourage our industry partners to collaborate with us even further in pioneering a sustainable and resilient future for manufacturing.”
For more information, please visit www.unipartmanufacturing.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.
