High-end car component manufacturer aims to break into public transport market after Coventry move

A Coventry-based car component manufacturer which counts some of the most cutting-edge makers in the world among its clients is looking to branch out into public transport following a move to new premises.

MarchantCain Group, which designs and manufactures complex moveable components in cars, such as window regulators, wiper systems, automatic folding mirrors, and more, has moved into Sovereign Court at the University of Warwick Science Park.

Founders Rob Marchant and Pam Cain carved out a niche for the company by focusing on the high-end car market, whose parts require higher precision, a lower weight and a much longer lead time than parts for the mass market.

After its old premises in Tile Hill became unsuitable, MarchantCain felt Sovereign Court’s accessible location and inviting interior was the ideal location to move to, both for a new office space and a workshop facility.

Now, MarchantCain is looking to grow its 14-strong team at its new base and has ambitions to use its products in public transport, such as controllers for automatic doors on trains.

Rob said: “While we’ve established an excellent foothold with the high-end car market, we know we need to diversify our customer base somewhat as we look to grow further.

“That market is relatively static given there’s a steady pool of potential buyers for luxury cars – especially ‘hypercars’ – which means there’s only so much demand from our typical clients for our products.

“Moving into other transport sectors such as trains, aircraft, buses, and boats, will give us a whole new revenue stream and will enable us to grow the company.

“We think our new premises at Sovereign Court will be the perfect place to do that.”

Pam added: “The team at the Science Park have done a great job to get us settled in quickly after our move from Tile Hill.

“As we look to grow the team, Sovereign Court’s location is such a plus point because of its accessibility and the environment here. We’re surrounded by many other cutting-edge automotive clients too, which really contributes to an innovative atmosphere at the Science Park.

“We’re confident Sovereign Court will be the start of a great new chapter for MarchantCain.”

Victoria Lynch, Head of Commercial at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “It’s fantastic to have a company working in the cutting-edge of automotive design and manufacturing choose to move to the University of Warwick Science Park at Sovereign Court.

“The Science Park is already home to a host of key suppliers and innovators in the automotive and transport sectors, and MarchantCain is a brilliant addition to this ecosystem.”

The deal for MarchantCain was sourced by Giles Garbutt, Surveyor in the Science and Technology team at Carter Jonas, the retained agents on the Science Park.

“The University of Warwick Science Park is a unique environment for companies seeking office, laboratory, and workshop space. When MarchantCain reached out to us following one of our proactive marketing campaigns, we realised that the office space and workshop unit at Sovereign Court would be an excellent fit. This is especially true given the number of science and technology companies located in close proximity and the support the Science Park offers to its tenants.

“It is exciting to see how the space has developed since the agreement was made and to see another innovative company join this vibrant portfolio.”