CNC Robotics, a Merseyside robotics company with origins linked to James Bond and collaborations with major British brands, is shutting its doors after failing to secure investment. The Aintree-based firm announced on LinkedIn that operations will end after 16 years "with deep sadness."
Funding challenges and rising costs
Management explained they were unable to obtain the necessary funding to ensure the firm's future viability amid escalating expenses. The business was operated by married couple Jason and Madina Barker.
Back in 2019, Madina revealed that Jason's inspiration stemmed from constructing a robotic arm for a Bond film, which opened his eyes to the possibilities within robotics.
Diverse projects and clients
During an interview that year with the Liverpool City Region Business Post, she said that clients included a film props company which had utilised robots to create models for productions within the Mission Impossible and Star Wars series. A CNC robot also featured in an artistic display at fashion house Burberry's flagship London premises, where it carved representations of anatomical forms. However, CNC's work spanned multiple sectors, encompassing aerospace and agriculture.
Announcement of closure
This week's LinkedIn announcement from CNC said: "For 16 years, CNC Robotics has been our passion, our livelihood and, for many of us, a significant part of our lives. It is with deep sadness that we announce that the company will be closing."
"Like many manufacturers across the UK, we have faced increasing pressures from rising costs and a challenging economic environment. Over recent years, we have worked tirelessly to secure investment and create a sustainable future for the business. While significant opportunities emerged, they did not come to fruition in time to secure the company's long-term viability, leaving us with no option but to cease trading. This decision has not been taken lightly."
Sharing the announcement again, Jason said: "Well it's been a fantastic journey and sad to see CNC Robotics close. What made it special was the people, the team, the clients, the suppliers, the partners...in fact whole ecosystem. The whole team had a hug today as we closed the doors for last time... This might be the end of an era, but not the end of the talented people who made us great.... onwards and upwards to everyone.."
Legacy and tributes
CNC's statement revealed the company's leadership felt "immensely proud of what we have achieved". It added: "Over the past 16 years, CNC Robotics has been built through hard work, determination, resilience and an unwavering belief in innovation and British manufacturing. The business represents years of sacrifice, countless challenges overcome and the collective efforts of an incredible team."
The statement added: "From humble beginnings, we have delivered some of the most complex and technically demanding robotic machining, additive manufacturing and automation projects in the UK and worldwide. We have helped customers solve difficult engineering challenges, introduced new technologies and developed capabilities that have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in advanced manufacturing".
The message proceeded to acknowledge CNC's workforce, alongside clients, suppliers and collaborators who had supported the company throughout its history. It said: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of the CNC Robotics story. To our employees, past and present, thank you for your dedication, skill and commitment. To our customers, thank you for placing your trust in us and allowing us to be part of your most ambitious projects. To our suppliers, partners and supporters, thank you for your collaboration, loyalty and belief in what we were striving to achieve."
"Our talented and dedicated team will now be seeking new opportunities. They represent a wealth of expertise across robotics, automation, engineering, manufacturing and operations. If your organisation is recruiting, please share your vacancies. While this chapter is coming to an end, we remain incredibly proud of the legacy of CNC Robotics and the impact the business has had on the people, organisations and industries we have worked with over the past 16 years."
Former CNC Robotics employees have also taken to LinkedIn to pay tribute to the firm. Adam Clarke wrote: "Over the past 10 months, I've had the privilege of working as a Design Engineer at CNC Robotics. It's incredibly sad to see such an innovative company close its doors after 16 years. I'd like to thank everyone I worked with for the opportunity, the support and the knowledge I gained. It was a pleasure to be part of such a talented team."
Rachel Flood-Jones wrote: "CNC Robotics, it has been an amazing and very happy 22 months. Thank you Madina and Jason Barker! I don't know what I am going to miss the most, the team, the camaraderie, the projects, our customers and suppliers or the daily scrum?"
