Motion Control Products (MCP) Ltd, based in Poole, is a family run global supplier and manufacturer for a wide range of automation control systems, products and components for all mechanisation requirements of machinery and systems.
Following on from their incredible success at the Bournemouth Air Festival STEM Village welcoming thousands of residents and visitors across the country, MCP opened their doors to the public on Friday 27 September 2024 in recognition of National Manufacturing Day. Visitors included school students considering a career in engineering, representatives from Bournemouth & Poole College and Dorset Chamber, as well as economic development (ED) officers from BCP Council. Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, and newly elected Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset & North Poole and former leader of the council, Vikki Slade, also attended.
National Manufacturing Day (NMD), created by Make UK, encourages engineering and manufacturing companies to inspire the next generation by being more accessible to anyone interested in forging a career in the sector.
Attendees were treated to hospitality and a tour of MCPs factory and warehouse, offering a unique insight into their latest products and innovations, which included a first look at their brand-new electric motorbike. Simply charged from the mains, the motorbike’s performance and capability can be customised with software depending on the licence level required – A, A1 and A2. MCP see the ideal target market as first responders and emergency services.
The tour concluded with a demonstration of MCPs driving simulator, which adds an incredible sense of motion to what is essentially a traditional home PC set up of multiple screens and gaming accessories. The motion is created using electric actuators designed and built by MCP, which are different from the more traditional hydraulic or pneumatic systems that can be prone to leaks and expensive repairs. This simulator alone successfully entertained over 600 visitors at MCPs STEM Village stand at Bournemouth Air Festival. Vikki Slade MP, couldn’t resist having a go at a time trial!
Duncan Newman, Economic Development Officer and sector lead for Engineering & Manufacturing at BCP Council, said: “Motion Control Products is regularly competing against global organisations and winning contracts from all over the world. It’s fair to say that they’re punching well above their weight from its small but effective operation here in BCP.
Myself and colleagues in the ED team have enjoyed a brilliant collaboration with MCP over many years. I’m never in short supply of praising their incredible ideas and talents. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we awarded MCP a grant through our Bounce Back Challenge Fund to create a brand-new state-of-the-art video studio. This allowed the business to take advantage of the growing trend of virtual communication and continue operating amidst the challenges at the time.
Off the back of their STEM Village stand and NMD, MCP have grabbed the initiative with both hands to make their operations more accessible to the public and budding engineering enthusiasts, and I would urge anyone interested in a career in the sector to go and visit them”.
Vikki Slade, Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: “It’s incredible to think that companies like Motion Control Products are operating right here on our doorstep. Their ability to go beyond the traditional norms and create products like their driving simulator and electric bike really capture the imagination of how the components they make interact with our everyday lives”.
Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “My visit to MCP really highlighted the importance of local manufacturing and the incredible potential within our community. MCP’s commitment to innovation, education, and engagement sets a powerful example for other businesses. I feel a great sense of optimism for the engineering and manufacturing sector in our region, knowing that companies like MCP are right here in BCP setting the standard.
Steve McKay, Managing Director of Motion Control Products said: ‘It was great honour to see some of our local Councillors BCP members and associates and our new member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole Vikki Slade who took time out of her busy schedule to see MCP’s products, service and facilities. We hope to grow from strength to strength working with local companies and customers for joint success, and why not come and see our ‘The Motion Studio’ where we can assist you with promotional content to help promote your products worldwide!
More information is available on the following links:
Motion Control Products Home Page
Bournemouth | The Motion Studios | England
Home | NMD 2025 (nationalmanufacturingday.org)
The Manufacturers' Organisation | Make UK
https://youtu.be/eTYOKheJPwQ