Unipart Manufacturing, headquarters in Oxford, UK, has announced its partnership in Project PULSE (Power electronics Upscale for Localization and Sustainable Electrification), an £11 million ($15 million) initiative funded by the UK government through the Advanced Propulsion Center (APC).
The project, led by Protean Electric, aims to industrialize the assembly and manufacture of inverters and converters in the UK, involving a consortium of five industrial partners and two leading universities: Coventry University and the University of Warwick, AKA the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).
Project PULSE seeks to accelerate the development and industrialization of advanced in-wheel motor and fuel-cell technology. This effort aligns with UK’s objectives in sustainable energy and enhance UK-based production capabilities. Unipart Manufacturing will be establishing a flexible power electronics manufacturing capability at its Beresford Avenue site in Coventry.
The state-of-the-art facility at Unipart Manufacturing will focus on developing and producing high-power DC-DC converters and inverters. By leveraging advanced vision systems, flow management, and end-of-line testing, the facility aims to enhance both efficiency and quality in production. The project is anticipated to create or safeguard 159 jobs in the UK by 2030 and it is predicted to save 1.2 million tons of CO2 annually.
Andy Davis, Business Development Director of Unipart Manufacturing, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “This project underscores our commitment to driving innovation in the UK manufacturing sector. 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’s objective is to deliver a flexible manufacturing line and develops a local supply chain while integrating low-carbon production methods. Collaboration with Coventry University and WMG will supply research and development to aid in the industrialization process and further UK’s aspirations to be seen as a leader in power electronics manufacturing.
Carol Rose Burke, Managing Director of Unipart Manufacturing, highlighted the project’s broader impact: “This project is a 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 employs 800 engineering experts and supply chain specialists in Coventry and Portsmouth in the UK.
