Pioneering manufacturers bring UK-first precision technology to Scotland

Edinburgh manufacturer, Vert Rotors, has today revealed installation of ultra-precision machinery for the manufacture of micro compressors used in satellites and medical devices. 

As a result of this news Vert Rotors will create three highly skilled new jobs in Scotland. The project received a £46,000 Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) support grant from Scottish Enterprise, and helped Vert to realise a quarter million investment.

The latest generation 5-axis CNC machine is the first of its kind to be brought to the UK, it has already allowed Vert Rotors to achieve unprecedented accuracy of 1-2 microns and take the manufacture of highly efficient and powerful micro compressors to a record new level.

“The HSC-20 linear 2nd generation CNC machine, is the most precise 5-Axis machine in Scotland, and the first such machine in the UK.  This is the machine you must have to achieve tight tolerances and the best surface finish possible.”  says David Bryden of DMG-Mori UK.

Olly Dmitriev, CEO at Vert Rotors, explained: “We have already shaken up the global compressor market by producing the world’s smallest screw compressor. Our innovative conical rotary design enables future space systems and innovative medical applications by providing the highest possible air pressure at low-vibration. 

The DMG-Mori produced HSC-20 linear machine will enable Vert Rotors to produce compressors at an unparalleled degree of ultra-accuracy, increase their manufacturing productivity four-fold, and create new positions for three highly-skilled engineers specially trained to operate this complex equipment. 

“As our products are such high-precision pieces of equipment, it was vital that we obtained manufacturing equipment to match our exacting standards. The second generation HSC 20 machine has allowed us to produce parts with an accuracy of 1-2 microns, which is far beyond capabilities of other manufacturing companies in Scotland.

“The £46,000 RSA award was a key support in bringing this pioneering technology to the UK. We are now able to ensure the high quality of our products remains consistent while we upscale production and develop our new range of micro compressors.”

Eleanor Mitchell, Entrepreneurial Growth and Grant Management Director at Scottish Enterprise, said: “This is a superb example of a Scottish manufacturing company at the forefront of micro compressor technology. We are very pleased to be supporting Vert Rotors enhance their competitiveness and add even greater value to Scotland’s economy.”

Founded in 2013, Vert Rotors is based in Edinburgh, and has already attracted international attention. Three-quarters of Vert Rotors’ customers are based outside the UK and include Fortune 500 manufacturers in the European Union and the United States.

Dmitriev continued: “Scotland is brimming with talent and innovation, and we are determined to continue to manufacture here despite our plans to drive our sales internationally. It was very important to us to bring the new CNC machine here for that reason. 

“With this game changing new technology, we look forward to further developing our innovative screw compressors, extend our range of products and grow our manufacturing facilities, creating new jobs for skilled workers as we do so.”

Olly Dmitriev is a technology entrepreneur and innovator with 15 years’ experience in software project management and a dual executive MBA degree from London Business School and Columbia University in New York.

He is a member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the author of three patents and multiple papers relating to Vert’s compressor technology.

The total global market for industrial compressors is expected to reach more than $17.5 billion (£14.3bn) by 2017, with compressed air accounting for 10 per cent of industrial electricity demand.

Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) is a discretionary grant set up by Scottish Enterprise.  Funding is given to companies that will directly result in the creation or safeguarding of jobs in Scotland.  Companies have to meet strict criteria to be successful and the amount offered depends on the size of the business, location of the project and assessment of how much is needed for the project to go ahead.