IPG Automotive Case Study
About IPG Automotive
As a global leader in virtual test driving technology, IPG Automotive develops innovative simulation solutions for vehicle development. Designed for seamless use, the software and hardware products can be applied throughout the entire vehicle design and development process.
IPG Automotive is an expert in the field of virtual development methods for the application areas of Autonomous Vehicles, ADASPowertrain and Vehicle Dynamics. Together with its international clients and partners, the company is pioneering simulation technology that is increasing the efficiency of development processes.
Investing in the UK
The firm started out as a spin-off from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany in 1984. Since then, continuous technical innovations and product developments have ensured sustainable growth and led to an extensive global client base. This includes a number of high-profile automotive manufacturers in the UK with large-scale operations located in the West Midlands region, such as Jaguar Land Rover and Ford and Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick.
Establishing long-term local partnerships and cultivating close customer relations are key to strengthening IPG Automotive‘s global position.
To provide better and faster assistance to their UK clients, IPG Automotive decided to set up a permanent base in the country, selecting Solihull in the West Midlands.
The UK team is supported by the Headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany, and a number of subsidiaries around the world supporting international customers. IPG Automotive also now has offices in Japan, the USA, China, Korea, France and Sweden, as well as a number of satellites in Germany.
Why the West Midlands?
IPG Automotive chose the region because of its automotive credentials and opportunities for further growth.
Responsible for 38% of all automotive and parts exports from the UK, the West Midlands has a highly productive and diverse supply chain of well-known and specialist vehicle manufacturing firms concentrated in the region.
Its location at the heart of the UK’s motorway and public transport network, coupled with a long and established heritage in automotive R&D, advantageously gives the region a deep-rooted pool of talent and customers for companies, such as IPG Automotive, to access.
In fact, West Midlands engineers have invented many essential design features and functions of the modern vehicle, including the first car horn, windscreen wiper and car indicators.
Today, the region’s flair for automotive innovation remains an integral part of its offer to industry, with several of its organisations and universities accelerating the latest vehicle technologies.
Capitalising on opportunities in the emerging future mobility market has seen a number of international investors move into the region to take advantage of its expanding network of knowledge and expertise.
For IPG Automotive, their decision to invest is already paying off, and over the next few years, they will be recruiting further engineers to boost their presence even more.
Working with the West Midlands Growth Company – the investment agency for the West Midlands region – IPG Automotive has been able to take advantage of the free-of-charge services on offer to expanding businesses. These include access to exclusive market intelligence on the region’s local economy and automotive sector, introductions to local industry networks, help with finding suitable operational spaces, recruitment advice and PR & marketing support.
David Fisken, former Head of Business Attraction at the West Midlands Growth Company, commented:
“Our region offers a wealth of opportunities for overseas companies looking to expand or relocate to the UK. As the West Midlands’ investment agency, we are committed to helping organisations of all sizes discover how the region and its people can benefit their business. I would encourage any company, no matter what stage they are at in their growth journey, to contact us and find out more about how the region could best serve their needs.”