Metalogic seals international success

The UK’s leading supplier of computer systems for the metals industry has sealed international success and landed a major contract.

Metalogic, based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Warwick Innovation Centre on Gallows Hill, specialises in providing a range of software, hardware and network products for the metals manufacturing, processing, distribution and stockholding industries.

The company, which was formed as the result of a merger with Beacon Computer Services (metals division) and Planmatics PLC in 2000, has significantly grown its client base to work with over 90 businesses across the UK and abroad.

Metalogic has also secured a major contract with Nippon Steel, the second largest steel manufacturer in the world, and is set to install IT systems at 21 of its divisions including manufacturing bases across Asia, Europe, America and Africa.

Metalogic moved its head office to Warwick Innovation Centre in 2006 as part of a plan to operate the business on a virtual cloud-based system.

Two admin staff are now based at the premises while more than 30 developers, software consultants and salesmen work from home using cloud based services which enables them to work as if in one large open office environment.

Leigh Harrison, managing director at the firm, said: “Since moving to the University of Warwick Science Park we have not only expanded our client base internationally but our staff levels have also increased.

“We have expanded from 20 to 30 people with the virtual office space providing staff members with the flexibility to work off-site whilst maintaining a high-quality support service.

“We are also looking to recruit two additional employees over the next 12-months with opportunities available for graduate training.

“Our staff work all around the country in different locations so it is important that we get together on a regular basis. One advantage of having office space at the SciencePark is that we are able to hire out meeting rooms whichsuit our requirements.

“It is also important for us to have a solid business presence. People often struggle to get their heads around a cloud based business so having that physical office base is a big tick in the box.”

He added: “Metalogic has witnessed steady growth over the last few years and secures around three to four new clients annually. This can be from the growth of an existing customer or from new business orders. We recently secured an order with Nippon Steel which is a great achievement for the business.

“Our plans going forward are to continue to develop the company, maintaining the Warwick presence, and growing the business in the cloud.”

Karen Aston, centre manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre, said Metalogic is a great example of a company which is using an innovative business model to evolve its services.

She said: “Warwick Innovation Centre provides a great location for Metalogic to operate in the cloud. Not only is the company able to take advantage of on-site meeting rooms to host annual and monthly meetings, the base also offers great transport links for customers travelling from across the UK.

“Metalogic can also feel safe in the knowledge that its IT infrastructure is housed in a secure location, providing staff the ability to work remotely and grow the international client base – implementing systems in the UAE and Eastern Europe.”