In an industry where traditional machining methods often face inefficiencies and many manufacturing companies are running the risk of their knowledge being lost forever due to ageing workforces, London-based startup Isembard is offering a fresh approach.
Founded by Alex Fitzgerald, Isembard is a software-first precision manufacturing company that promises faster, cheaper, greener manufacturing for critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and energy.
By integrating cutting-edge software and automation with advanced CNC machining, Isembard aims to modernise an industry that has long been reliant on conventional processes, boosting efficiency and customer outcomes in the process.
Isembard’s mission is clear: accelerate production for critical industries while addressing key challenges in the UK manufacturing sector. “At a time when demand for precision parts is increasing due to factors like geopolitical tensions and the push for net zero, the availability of skilled manufacturers is decreasing,” Fitzgerald explained. “Our goal is to bridge this gap by bringing efficiency and scalability to manufacturing.”
The Isembard approach: software meets machining
Unlike traditional subcontract machining firms, Isembard operates with a unique model. The company has developed its own proprietary operating system, Mason OS, which integrates every aspect of production—from quoting and supply chain management to scheduling, manufacturing, and billing.
“Our software drives efficiency across the entire process,” Fitzgerald said. “From CAD to CAM to CMM, we’re streamlining operations in a way that traditional machine shops simply aren’t equipped to do.” By leveraging AI and automation, Isembard is able to optimise production workflows, reducing lead times and improving precision in the manufacturing process.
Building a scalable manufacturing network
One of Isembard’s most ambitious goals is to create a distributed network of machine shops. Rather than centralising all operations in a single large facility, the company envisions a network of hundreds, potentially even thousands, of smaller, software-integrated machine shops across the UK, Europe, North America and potentially beyond.
“We don’t want to build just one large machining center,” Fitzgerald said. “Our vision is to scale up by establishing multiple facilities that operate with the same level of efficiency and technological integration.”
This decentralised approach allows Isembard to expand rapidly while maintaining flexibility. By using the London facility as a testing ground for its software and automation systems, the company can refine its processes before replicating them across new locations.
From finance to manufacturing: the founder’s journey
Fitzgerald’s path to manufacturing is unconventional. Born and raised in London, he studied biochemistry at university before working in government as a business policy adviser. He then moved into the tech sector, launching a broadband company that was later acquired by Octopus Telecom.
After the acquisition, Fitzgerald spent time serving with his military reserve unit, where he encountered firsthand the inefficiencies in the UK’s manufacturing supply chain. “It was taking six to eight weeks just to get a quote and even longer to receive parts,” he recalled. “That’s when I realised there was an opportunity to bring software-driven efficiencies to the sector.”
To gain deeper industry insights, Fitzgerald worked in a machine shop and completed a hands-on milling and turning course. This experience reinforced his belief that manufacturing could benefit from the same technological advancements that had transformed other industries.
Why London? Overcoming manufacturing challenges in the capital
Launching a manufacturing facility in London may seem like an unusual choice, given the high costs associated with operating in the city. However, Fitzgerald believes that the benefits outweigh the challenges.
“Yes, rent is more expensive,” he admitted, “but the talent pool for software engineers and AI specialists in London is unmatched. The efficiencies gained from our technology more than compensate for the added costs.”
Additionally, while many assume that manufacturing has disappeared from the capital, Fitzgerald noted that London still employs approximately 100,000 people in the sector, with numerous small businesses engaged in industrial production.
A culture of innovation and mission-driven work
At Isembard, company culture plays a pivotal role in attracting top talent. “We prioritise hiring people who are mission-driven,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s about more than just a paycheck—it’s about solving real-world problems in manufacturing and national security.”
The company’s core values are built around three guiding principles:
- If not now, when? – Encouraging a bias toward action and problem-solving.
- Follow the five maxims – A structured approach to engineering and decision-making that emphasises efficiency and optimisation before automation.
- Humour and humility – Fostering a workplace environment where collaboration and respect are fundamental.
This philosophy has already attracted talent from leading technology and industrial firms, including Palantir, Rolls-Royce, and 3M.
The role of automation and AI in manufacturing
Isembard’s approach to automation goes beyond simply integrating robots into the production line. “Most machine shops have vast amounts of unused data,” Fitzgerald noted. “Our software connects the dots, providing insights that improve efficiency at every stage of production.”
By consolidating traditionally fragmented software systems, such as quoting, supply chain management, and quality assurance, Isembard eliminates inefficiencies that often plague manufacturers. “Legacy software systems don’t talk to each other,” Fitzgerald explained. “We’re solving that problem by building an end-to-end integrated solution.”
As the company scales, it plans to further enhance automation through AI-driven process optimisation and robotics. “Data first, automation second, robotics third,” Fitzgerald summarised. “That’s our approach.”
The future of Isembard
Looking ahead, Isembard has ambitious plans. The company is in the process of securing key industry accreditations, which will enable it to supply larger aerospace and defence firms directly. Over time, Fitzgerald envisions Isembard playing a critical role in strengthening the UK’s manufacturing capabilities.
“We want to help rebuild the UK’s industrial base,” he said. “Manufacturing has historically been the backbone of economic growth, and we believe that with the right combination of software, automation, and skilled talent, we can make a real impact.”
For now, the company is focused on growing its London operation while laying the groundwork for future expansion. “If you’re a machine shop owner or someone interested in starting a precision manufacturing business, we’d love to have a conversation,” Fitzgerald added.
With a software-first mindset, a strong mission-driven culture, and an eye toward scalability, Isembard is poised to reshape the future of precision manufacturing in the UK and beyond.
Visit www.isembard.com to find out more.
For more articles like this, visit our Industrial Data & AI channel
