Unipart Manufacturing is set to play a pivotal role in Project PULSE (Power Electronics Upscale for Localisation and Sustainable Electrification), an £11 million project funded by the UK government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The initiative aims to strengthen the UK’s production capabilities in power electronics and advance sustainable electrification technologies.
Led by Protean Electric, Project PULSE brings together five industry partners and two top academic institutions—Coventry University and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG)—to industrialise the manufacturing of inverters and converters in the UK. The project focuses on accelerating the development of cutting-edge in-wheel motor and fuel-cell technology, aligning with the growing demand for clean energy solutions in the automotive sector.
As a key player in this consortium, Unipart Manufacturing will establish a flexible power electronics manufacturing facility at its Beresford Avenue site in Coventry. This advanced facility will support the production of high-power DC-DC converters and inverters using innovative vision systems, flow management processes, and end-of-line testing, ensuring enhanced efficiency and quality in the manufacturing process.
By 2030, Project PULSE is expected to create or safeguard 159 jobs in the UK and contribute to significant environmental benefits by saving 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
Andy Davis, Business Development Director at Unipart Manufacturing, highlighted the importance of the project: “This initiative showcases our dedication to driving innovation in the UK’s manufacturing sector. Partnering with Protean Electric, Viritech, and academic institutions allows us to expand our capabilities while helping establish a sustainable and resilient domestic supply chain for power electronics.”
The project will deliver a unique, flexible manufacturing line designed to boost local supply chain content while incorporating low-carbon production techniques. Collaboration with Coventry University and WMG will ensure the seamless integration of cutting-edge research into industrial applications, positioning the UK as a global leader in power electronics manufacturing.
Carol Burke, Managing Director of Unipart Manufacturing, emphasized the project’s significance: “This initiative is a testament to the strength of UK manufacturing and our ability to respond to industry challenges with innovative solutions. We are proud to contribute to an effort that not only advances power electronics technology but also supports the UK’s transition toward sustainable electrification.”
With a long-standing reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing, Unipart Manufacturing serves clients globally, helping them reduce time, cost, and carbon emissions. The company employs 800 experts in Coventry and Portsmouth, where it operates Unipart Polymer and Composite Solutions following a recent acquisition. Its extensive expertise in design, production, and commercialisation, built over more than 30 years, continues to support the automotive industry’s evolving needs.
Burke concluded, “As we embark on this exciting journey with Project PULSE, we invite our industry partners to join us in pioneering a sustainable and resilient future for UK manufacturing.”
Project PULSE stands as a crucial step forward in the UK’s clean growth strategy, reinforcing the nation’s leadership in electrification and sustainable manufacturing.