Cimcorp Group is making strategic moves to expand its footprint in the UK, focusing on successful project execution and service to build controlled growth in the market.
“Our primary focus is to ensure the success of our new projects in the UK,” says Jarkko Hakkarainen, Head of Operations for Cimcorp’s European region, who has recently relocated to the UK to support the expansion. “We are already in the delivery phase of a large automation system and are actively engaging in discussions with leading grocery distributors, plus some companies in other segments in the UK, such as bakeries, to explore further project opportunities.”
The growth plan also includes studying future opportunities in the tyre industry, where Cimcorp aims to enhance its competitiveness through ongoing conversations with key players.
The United Kingdom: a promising market for automation
Cimcorp’s expansion into the UK is rooted in the company’s in-depth analysis of market potential. “The UK is one of the largest potential markets for us. The automation level in logistics is still relatively low here, making it an excellent opportunity for growth,” explains Hakkarainen.
The UK market, characterized by limited supply of automated systems, high cost of manpower and stringent hygiene standards, is ready for advanced automation solutions, and Cimcorp is poised to meet these needs.
We have successfully grown into a well-known system integrator in Europe; now we’re broadening into the UK market and we are determined to showcase our abilities here too.
Jarkko Hakkarainen, Head of Operations for Cimcorp’s European region
Enhancing Cimcorp’s global growth through UK market entry
Cimcorp’s UK expansion holds substantial value for the company’s broader business objectives. “The UK market is a new source of growth for us and brings further diversification to our business,” explains Hakkarainen.
“The presence of international companies operating here, with projects in multiple countries, is significant and we’re able to deliver work with proven value and global relevance by leveraging our expertise in high-quality solutions.”
This expansion also opens career growth opportunities and fosters cultural diversity within Cimcorp. “A new market not only enhances our recruitment appeal but also enriches our team’s cultural experiences, creating more diverse career paths for our employees,” he continues.
Building a strong team to lead Cimcorp’s UK operations
At the helm of Cimcorp’s UK expansion is Jarkko Hakkarainen, joined by Site & Maintenance Manager Craig Downing, who is leading the local site management and maintenance operations. The team is rapidly growing to support the ongoing automation project and to establish a platform for future growth, with recruitment underway for automation engineers, maintenance engineers and administrative staff.
“We expect our UK team to triple in size over the next 18 months,” says Hakkarainen. “It’s inspiring for our team to be part of this growth, while creating the local processes and establishing a new subsidiary without the rigidity often associated with larger corporations.”
We’re building a team that can shape our operations and working culture from the ground up.
Jarkko Hakkarainen, Head of Operations for Cimcorp’s European region