Renishaw Metrology Systems

Renishaw is a global company with core skills in measurement, motion control, spectroscopy and precision machining. We develop innovative products that significantly advance our customers' operational performance - from improving manufacturing efficiencies and raising product quality, to maximising research capabilities and improving the efficacy of medical procedures.

Our products are used for applications as diverse as machine tool automation, co-ordinate measurement, additive manufacturing, gauging, Raman spectroscopy, machine calibration, position feedback, CAD/CAM dentistry, shape memory alloys, large scale surveying, stereotactic neurosurgery, and medical diagnostics. In all of these areas we aim to be a long-term partner, offering superior products that meet our customers' needs both today and into the future, backed up by responsive, expert technical and commercial support.

Presentation: Introducing Renishaw plc - FY2012-2013

An introduction to Renishaw plc, including its origins, growth, current business and future plans. The presentation demonstrates the company's approach to R&D, its manufacturing expertise, global support presence and its commitment to people and innovation.

Brief history

Renishaw was established in 1973 by David McMurtry (now Sir David McMurtry), Chairman and Chief Executive, and John Deer, now Deputy Chairman. The company's first product, the touch-trigger probe had been invented by Sir David to solve a specific inspection requirement for the Olympus engines used on the supersonic Concorde aircraft. This innovative product led to a revolution in three-dimensional co-ordinate measurement, enabling the accurate measurement of machined components and finished assemblies.

Throughout our history we have made a significant commitment to research and development (R&D), with around 15 to 18% of annual sales invested in R&D and engineering. This has enabled the company to diversify into sensors for CNC machine tools which are used for automating machine setting operations and in-process part measurement, position encoders for accurate motion control, laser interferometry for machine performance evaluation, systems to produce dental crowns and bridges, Raman microscopes for spectral analysis of materials, gauging technology, additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping, laser measurement and surveying systems, diamond-like carbon coatings and shape memory alloys, medical devices for neurosurgical applications, and products to improve the diagnosis of human infectious diseases.

The majority of our R&D and manufacturing is carried out in the UK, primarily in the County of Gloucestershire, where our headquarters are based on the site of a former 19th Century mill used to manufacture woollen cloth. We also have assembly facilities located near to Dublin, Ireland and in Pune, India. In 2011 we acquired the former Bosch manufacturing facility at Miskin, near Cardiff, in South Wales; manufacturing commenced there in May 2012.

We have a strong global presence, with more than 60 offices in 32 countries and some 94% of our sales are made outside the UK. Since our formation in 1973 we have won numerous awards, including fifteen Queen's Awards, recognising Technological Achievement, Export Achievement and Enterprise (Innovation).