Electronics manufacturer Pimoroni has doubled its production, research and development, and warehousing space with a relocation move in Sheffield.
Pimoroni Ltd, which was founded in 2012, has grown into one of the best known manufacturers and suppliers of educational, industrial, and hobbyist electronics in the UK with over 100 distributors worldwide.
The company, which offers 2,500 products, has a £6m turnover and 40 staff, has brought all its operations under one roof with a 10-year lease at a 26,000 sq ft HQ on Parkway Drive in Sheffield, advised by Sheffield’s Wake Smith Solicitors.
Paul Beech, co-founder and creative director at Pimoroni, which comes from the first two letters of Pirate, Monkey, Robot, Ninja, said: “We had been looking for a big enough building in Sheffield city centre and bring our whole manufacturing, packing and shipping crew under one roof. We couldn’t have asked for a better place.
“Not only does it allow us to consolidate into one Sheffield site, the modern building gives us the confidence to extend our production lines to meet the increased demand, and have a springboard to expand from.
“We’re proud to be part of the manufacturing heritage in Sheffield and employ 40 crew with diverse roles in engineering, creative, administration, production and logistics, with four new recruits this year. We would expect a gradual increase in staff over the new few years as the market expands.”
Pimoroni started in a Sheffield lock up making the Pibow, the popular Perspex case for Raspberry Pi, with two laser cutters and two fire extinguishers. They now boast 2,500 products sold through their online store by hobbyists through to universities, large businesses and wholesale customers, with new products being launched constantly.
Their state of the art printed circuit board production lines now allow the manufacture of precision electronics, turnaround of production jobs quickly, with easy reconfiguration for smaller R&D runs during development.
As well as developing its own products for a growing market of electronics hobbyists, Pimoroni has worked with Google, Microsoft, universities and academic institutions across the country to create bespoke technical solutions and products. It also buys in and sells products, as well as making electronics accessories and offering a technical support team.
Paul added: “There’s a new generation of hobbyists, makers and inventors growing out there. During the past year we have seen our market fare well as more people worked from home and picked up new projects. We have also seen a younger demographic become electronic enthusiasts who blend coding and making.”
Sheffield’s Wake Smith Solicitors acted for Pimoroni on the lease of the building.
Paul, who started the business with Jon Williamson, added: “We’ve always been keen to build the future we want in Sheffield, and spread the best bits of the global future here with our local crew and suppliers.
“Laura Sanderson of Wake Smith Solicitors represented us negotiating a complex commercial lease on this building. The service we received was exceptional. The high level of legal expertise was clear from the start. Professional, but approachable, and always available for any question however minor.”
Laura Sanderson, associate at Wake Smith added: “This move gives Pimoroni the opportunity to better use a much larger space and further develop its innovative electronics, but also remain part of the Sheffield community and alongside some of the city’s most innovative businesses. We wish them the best of luck in their new premises.”
