SWMAS Ltd

Inside Teledyne Valeport: A Best-Practice Beacon in Marine Instrumentation

SWMAS Ltd — 18/07/2025

Yesterday, Made in the South West held an inspiring factory tour at Teledyne Valeport Ltd, one of our founding members, based in Totnes, North Devon. The event provided a rare and valuable opportunity to gain an in-depth look at how this cutting-edge manufacturer designs and produces advanced instrumentation for the hydrographic, hydrometric, and oceanographic sectors.

The tour offered more than just a behind-the-scenes look, it was a showcase of what world-class British manufacturing looks like today: high-tech, people-first, and deeply committed to sustainability.

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1969, Teledyne Valeport began with a simple yet effective mechanical flowmeter, its very first product used magnets and a reed switch to measure the flow of water. That early innovation soon evolved into directional flowmeters that helped assess the feasibility of large-scale projects such as the Thames Barrier.

Today, the company has grown into a global leader in precision marine instrumentation, supplying a vast range of clients—from universities and research institutions to offshore energy companies and water authorities.

Following decades of growth, Valeport relocated from Dartmouth to Totnes, expanding from one building to multiple facilities. By 2013, they had grown to 72 staff. In 2023, after more than 50 years as a family-owned business, the company was acquired by Teledyne Marine, part of the global Teledyne Technologies Group. The acquisition has gone smoothly, allowing the Valeport team to continue operating autonomously while benefiting from broader global support.

Best Practices That Set the Standard

Several best-practice elements stood out during the tour, especially for those interested in how modern manufacturers are integrating engineering excellence, sustainability, and workforce development.

1. Design-Led and Vertically Integrated

Teledyne Valeport designs all its own circuit boards, firmware, and software, as well as the mechanical and electronic architecture of its instruments. All calibration and testing is done in-house. While circuit board fabrication is subcontracted, the company retains full control of design and validation. This ensures speed, agility, and technical quality across the board.

2. People First: Developing Talent from Within

Employee development is a key part of the company’s DNA. Teledyne Valeport has never been without apprentices in its history, and many long-serving staff have risen from apprenticeship to management roles. The company supports training from entry-level through to degree apprenticeships and focuses on retaining talent for the long term.

3. Clear Communication and Collaboration

With just over 100 employees, the company regularly gathers its full team for ISO meetings, group discussions, and project updates. Having a space where all staff can meet together fosters transparency, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.

4. Sustainability in Action

Sustainability is embedded in day-to-day operations. Two of the company’s buildings are fitted with solar panels, and one is nearly self-sufficient. Valeport operates a full-spectrum recycling programme, from machine shop scrap to office waste. The company also aligns with Teledyne’s “40 by 2040” initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by the year 2040.

Engineering Innovation from Coast to Deep Ocean

Product innovation and technical leadership are cornerstones of Teledyne Valeport’s success. Presentations from Ian Slade, Head of Product Innovation, and Amy Thompson, Innovation and Product Manager, showcased a wide range of smart technologies engineered to survive and perform in some of the world’s harshest marine environments.

Key highlights included:

CTD Instruments (measuring Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) used for profiling ocean water columns or monitoring fixed points, with models like the MIDAS CTD and SWiFT CTD capable of operating to depths of 6,000 metres.
Sound Velocity Sensors, such as the ultraSV and SVP, use time-of-flight acoustic technology to measure the speed of sound in water, a critical parameter for accurate sonar and underwater navigation.
Environmental Sensors in the Hyperion range, which use fluorescence to detect chlorophyll a, phycocyanin, crude oil, fDOM, and more. These are vital tools for water quality monitoring and pollution detection.
Tide and Water Level Monitoring via the TideMaster system, which integrates both pressure and radar sensors for flexible, accurate deployment. Portable and permanent installations are available.
Smart Data Features, including Bluetooth connectivity, GNSS positioning, and automated winch compatibility, allow users to collect and geo-reference environmental data with minimal manual handling.

The Bigger Picture: Made in the South West

Also in attendance were Tony Matteravers from Made in the South West and Jason Pitt, CEO of Made in Group. Jason shared insights into the origins and purpose of the group:

“Made in the Midlands was born as an editorial section in a regional newspaper, but really started to gain traction after the collapse of Rover. For the first time since the 1970s, people could see the ripple effect down the supply chain.
I’m passionate about building a channel of communication between local businesses that’s authentic and rooted in pride, especially at a time when the very foundations of what makes a nation great are being challenged.”

Final Reflections

The Teledyne Valeport factory tour was more than just an event—it was a deep dive into a company that embodies British manufacturing at its best. From nurturing apprentices to designing world-leading sensors, Valeport combines innovation, culture, and sustainability in a way that few can match.

Our thanks to the entire Teledyne Valeport team for hosting us and sharing their story. They continue to be not just a founding member of Made in the South West, but a shining example of what’s possible when technical excellence meets long-term vision.

If you’d like to host a tour or learn more about future events, get in touch with the Made in Group team.

Investing in people = Investing in long-term success

SWMAS Ltd — 16/09/2025

That’s why Investacast partnered with SWMAS to deliver a bespoke Operational Leadership Development Programme - and the results speak for themselves.

The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the programme’s impact on their confidence, capability, and leadership mindset.

A hands-on Learn, Practice, and Feedback approach, allowed all participants to apply leadership principles directly to their roles.

Key outcomes of the course included:

A better understanding of how leadership influences business performance
A stronger, more team-oriented culture
Cross-functional learning that helps us work better together
Long-term improvements in operational performance.

Tony Mattravers: ''It’s been a pleasure to support Investacast in developing future-ready leaders who will drive performance, culture, and long-term value for their customers.''

Read our case study, including the feedback received: Investacast - SWMAS

SWMAS & partners successfully host supply chain event

SWMAS Ltd — 02/10/2025

The ‘Low Carbon Opportunities for Future Growth’ event was held in September, bringing together experts, stakeholders, and businesses from Somerset and across the South West, creating a vibrant atmosphere for sharing knowledge, ideas and fostering collaboration.

Opened by Gideon Amos, Member of Parliament (MP) for Taunton and Wellington, the event showcased how Somerset and the South West region are emerging as leaders in significant low carbon developments, positioning them prominently on the global stage. The event was made up of panel sessions covering a wide range of themes, followed by Q&A, providing delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with the experts.

In the first session, delegates were able to hear insights on the latest low carbon opportunities, including hydrogen, tidal, nuclear, offshore wind & battery production. The second session looked at accelerating innovation through the low carbon sector, including the impact of the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre. The final session looked at the skills and training needed to develop the workforce to meet the sector’s growing needs.

There was also an exhibition area, which was full of local businesses, support providers and trade organisations and plenty of opportunity for that all important networking. Many valuable connections were made throughout the day, and SWMAS looks forward to building on the success of the event, continuing to support manufacturers, as they seize the opportunities presented by the low carbon economy.

Get in touch if you would like to find out more.

South West Manufacturing Gets a Boost from Made in Group Collaboration

SWMAS Ltd — 05/03/2025

The Made in Group, the powerhouse network that champions, unites, and empowers manufacturers across the UK is expanding its regional presence as it joins forces with the experts behind the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) to launch Made In the South West.

For over a decade, the Made in Group has been a national manufacturing membership organisation dedicated to fostering innovation and unlocking the entrepreneurial potential within British industry.

It has played a crucial role in uniting manufacturers across the UK through its Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire networks, which together have over 500 members from various sectors of the manufacturing supply chain.

The introduction of Made in the South West will bring together manufacturing businesses across the south west of England to share best practice through peer-to-peer factory tours, online events and a digital platform. It launches on March 18th at a free event in Taunton for manufacturing business owners.

Long standing SWMAS business adviser and business improvement expert Tony Mattravers will lead the new Made in the South West network, which he sees as ‘a natural extension’ of the organisation’s current work:

“Our region has thousands of manufacturers who are brilliant innovators across a wide range of industries, from advanced engineering and aerospace to food production and renewable energy. For the last two decades, SWMAS has delivered bespoke support to help these businesses achieve their growth ambitions, access new markets, streamline processes, reduce waste and increase profits.

“Through the creation of Made in the South West, we can help more businesses tap into the wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise within the region, as well as access to best practice from their peers across the country via the wider Made in Group networks.”

SWMAS Managing Director Nick Golding says he is thrilled to be joining forces with the Made in Group. “Our aim is to form a strong collective voice for UK manufacturing, build pathways throughout the manufacturing supply chain, and provide those businesses with unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation. Working together with a strong focus on small and medium sized manufacturers we hope to bring a louder voice for the manufacturing community to ensure the industry gets both the recognition and support it deserves.”

Made in Group CEO Jason Pitt adds: “The South West is home to some of the UK’s most innovative and resilient manufacturers. By joining forces with the team at SWMAS, we can connect more manufacturers across the UK to share expertise that will help them navigate today’s industrial challenges.”

Made in the South West launches on March 18th at a breakfast event at The Castle Hotel in Taunton. Tony Mattravers says: “The launch event will bring together owners of manufacturing businesses and introduce them to existing Made in Group members, who will share the tangible benefits of membership and how being part of this vibrant community has helped their businesses grow.”

To find out more about Made In the South West and register for a place at the launch event, visit https://madeinthesouthwest.uk/events/made-in-the-south-west-launch/invite

Celebration of Key Construction Milestone at UK’s Largest Battery Facility

SWMAS Ltd — 06/01/2026

Construction of the Agratas EV battery manufacturing facility in Bridgwater is progressing at pace, and SWMAS is delighted to be one of the local partners supporting the project. The facility will be the largest of its kind in the UK and will play a pivotal role in advancing clean technology and sustainable energy.

SWMAS recently attended an event to officially celebrate the installation of the first steel frames for Building One. The event involved a wide range of local stakeholders, including Somerset Council, University Centre Somerset College Group, South West Business Council and the local Chambers of Commerce, recognising the importance of the facility to the local community and economy.

At the event, guests were updated on site progress, as well as sharing details of upcoming construction milestones. Guests also took part in a steel signing ceremony, adding their names to an integral steel beam used in the build process.

''This new development is a fantastic opportunity for Somerset and the wider South West, including substantial job creation with exciting new careers in advanced manufacturing, and long-term supply-chain opportunities’’ Nick Golding, Managing Director, SWMAS

To find out more about the impact the development will have on the local economy and supply chain opportunities READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE which includes a link to a video showing the latest progress at the site.

Join us - Made in the South West is proud to facilitate a best practice factory tour Teledyne Valeport on the 17th July

SWMAS Ltd — 02/07/2025

Valeport design and manufacture oceanographic, hydrographic, and hydrometric instrumentation, including underwater sensors and profilers for environmental monitoring, water surveys, and scientific research.

Teledyne Valeport are located near the picturesque banks of the River Dart, in 45,000sq. ft of space dedicated to instrumental design, manufacturer and service with fully equipped CNC workshop and state of the art laboratory.

Members, Please add yourself to the guest list from your dashboard.

More Than Just a Smiling Face: Lessons from the Numatic "Made in the South West" Factory Tour

SWMAS Ltd — 02/03/2026

On the 12th February Made in the South West best practice factory tour was at Numatic International in Chard. We heard how this global icon has grown from a humble start in 1969 to employing 1250 people and turning over £225M.

Over 40 manufacturers heard how Numatic is more than just the home of the "Henry" vacuum—it’s a masterclass in British manufacturing excellence, vertical integration, and staying true to your roots.
Here’s a look at what we learned during our deep dive into the 34-acre site where innovation meets tradition, firstly at the top level

“We make better products in a better way”

The tour kicked off with a presentation on Numatic’s humble beginnings. It’s hard to believe that a company now producing over 5,000 units a day started in 1969 in a small garage with just six employees.

In an era where most consumer electronics are outsourced, Numatic stands as the only mass-produced consumer vacuum manufacturer still building in the UK. Walking through the Mould Shop and Assembly Lines, three themes became clear:
Vertical Integration: Numatic doesn't just assemble parts; they make them. From injection moulding their own plastic components to their sophisticated tube manipulation & robot welding facility, they control every step of the quality process.

Operational Excellence: The scale is staggering. Witnessing the "Goods Inward" facility and the new assembly areas showed how lean improvements have allowed them to scale to a facility capable of holding 300,000 finished units.

Simplicity by Design: On the tour, it was highlighted that a Henry vacuum is held together by just seven screws. This simplicity makes the product incredibly durable and, crucially, easy to repair—a win for the consumer and the environment.

Utilising automation to remove labour-intensive heavy tasks, so the team can be better utilised.

The Made in the South West initiative is vital because it reminds us that we aren't operating in silos. Sharing best practices—whether it's about apprenticeship programs, growth or lean manufacturing—strengthens the entire regional economy.

Made in the South West is heading to Berry & Escott!

SWMAS Ltd — 04/06/2025

We are pleased to announce our second Made in the South West factory tour—this time hosted by the exceptional team at Berry & Escott, a shining example of advanced manufacturing rooted in the South West, is happening on Thursday 19th June

More than just a demonstration of cutting-edge capability, this tour will highlight something even more important:
🎓 Berry & Escott’s unwavering commitment to apprenticeships and skills development.

In a time when engineering skills are vital to the UK’s future competitiveness, Berry & Escott are proving that investing in young talent is not just good business—it’s a responsibility.

Attendees will get a first-hand look at:

⚙️ Precision engineering in action
👨‍🏭 Their award-winning apprenticeship programme
🔄 How they’re building a sustainable talent pipeline for the industry

This is exactly what Made in the South West is all about—celebrating manufacturing excellence and sharing best practice across the region.

Members from Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire are welcome.

#MadeInTheSouthWest #Manufacturing #Engineering #FactoryTour #Apprenticeships #Skills #BerryAndEscott #UKManufacturing #SouthWestIndustry #DevelopingTalent #FutureOfEngineering

Made in the South West Launches with First Factory Tour at David Salisbury

SWMAS Ltd — 16/05/2025

The newly launched Made in the South West initiative held its first official factory tour this week at David Salisbury’s impressive facility in Somerset. The event marked a significant milestone for the region’s manufacturing sector, bringing together founding members of Made in the South West, David Salisbury team members, and industry leaders for a deep dive into craftsmanship, innovation, and the future of manufacturing in the South West.

The morning began in the boardroom with breakfast, coffee, and an opportunity for attendees to network and connect. Tony Mattravers officially opened the event, leading a roundrobin session where each member introduced themselves and their business.

This was followed by an engaging talk from Andrew Clarke, Manufacturing Director at David Salisbury. Andrew's passionate and upbeat presentation perfectly captured the company’s family-oriented culture and the enthusiasm that drives their work. His deep respect for the company’s founder was evident throughout, highlighting a business built on shared values, craftsmanship, and a genuine sense of pride.

Jason Pitt from the Made in Group also addressed the gathering, welcoming new members and sharing the wider vision for the South West.

“The South West has a larger manufacturing base than many realise,” said Jason. “We are proud to not just launch a new region but to have that region firmly rooted in the South West through our partnership with the team behind SWMAS, a highly respected manufacturing support organisation. The Made in the South West team is predominantly made up of engineers, which gives us a highly technical dimension. Combined with our model of publishing knowledge and lobbying, we aim to elevate the voice of the South West and its manufacturers.”

Following the introductions, attendees split into groups for a guided tour of the David Salisbury factory. Team members led visitors around the facility, the tours were led by Stephen Carpenter and Andrew Clarke, showcasing a site where modern production technology blends seamlessly with traditional joinery skills. There was a particular focus on sustainability, with features such as biomass systems that repurpose wood waste for fuel and electrostatic paint spraying lines designed to dry faster and reduce material waste.

The walk through the shop floor also revealed the company’s commitment to nurturing multi-skilled employees. Many of the staff have progressed through various departments over the years, in a style akin to traditional apprenticeships, fostering flexibility and deep technical understanding.

Returning to the boardroom, the group was treated to a presentation on one of David Salisbury’s most unique assets: its in-house developed software. Written by the company’s founder, David Salisbury, this bespoke platform enables rapid conversion of architectural designs into production-ready components.

This proprietary system significantly enhances productivity, allowing for seamless transfer of design data to machines and third-party suppliers. For example, the software can export detailed specifications for custom glazing directly to manufacturers, eliminating manual input errors and ensuring precision.

David Salisbury himself began his journey by handling every role in the business, from design to delivery. This hands-on foundation is reflected in the company culture today, where deep knowledge and a multi-disciplinary approach are evident at every level.

One key theme that emerged from the event was legacy. As one team member put it: “We want people to be able to say, ‘My dad or granddad used to work here.’ That’s the kind of business we’re building.” The company’s long-term vision is not just about product innovation but about creating lasting careers and pride in craftsmanship.

Looking ahead, the company also discussed the new challenges facing the industry, including changing building regulations and the UK Government’s new home standard due in 2025. These evolving requirements around energy efficiency, particularly in glazed structures, pose both a challenge and an opportunity.

To adapt, David Salisbury has already embarked on a bold pivot: expanding into bespoke solid timber kitchens. Over the past two years, this strategic diversification has been a demanding but ultimately successful evolution, positioning the company to meet future consumer demands while maintaining its commitment to fine joinery.

Attendees were also given a behind-the-scenes look at the digital design workflow. From initial customer surveys to 3D renders and virtual reality previews, every stage of the process is managed with precision and care. Millie Bright, from the 3D design team, demonstrated how photo-realistic renders help customers visualise their projects before a single piece of timber is cut. The software, Enscape, allows the company to present high-quality visuals and even VR walk-throughs for more complex or listed-building projects.

Steve and his colleagues from the processing department walked guests through how David’s bespoke software translates design drawings into machine-ready data. Once the design is approved, every element, from windows and pilasters to roofing structures, is automatically quantified and coded. This level of automation means that entire structures can be processed in days rather than weeks, without ever needing to build a prototype on the factory floor.

One striking example shared during the event was how roof components are simulated digitally before being cut, eliminating waste and reducing lead times. Glass measurements are derived directly from the software, enabling instant ordering and perfect alignment on site. This "draw it, make it, ship it" process has become central to the company's operational model.

As the event concluded, attendees enjoyed some final networking over pastries and refreshments. Suggestions were also shared about collaboration opportunities, including working with universities and tapping into knowledge transfer partnerships to develop bespoke software solutions at a fraction of the commercial cost.

The first Made in the South West tour successfully showcased what makes regional manufacturing so special: a blend of tradition and innovation, driven by passionate people who are deeply invested in their work. David Salisbury’s journey, from a founder writing code at his kitchen table to a national leader in bespoke timber products, set the perfect tone for the future of Made in the South West.