3D business wins new orders around the globe

A BLACK Country company pioneering 3D and 4D simulation technology is successfully winning new business in the global entertainment and education sectors.

Simworx Ltd, based in Kingswinford, is a market leader in the design, manufacture and development of 3D and 4D attractions including 4D Effects Cinemas and Dynamic 4D Motion Simulation Theatres.  

Sitting in a Simworx 4D theatre, audiences experience special effects such as swaying seats, having water lightly sprayed on them, being blown by the wind or peppered with bubbles. The effects are tailored to match the 3D film playing in the theatre, whether that is a children’s animation feature film or an educational film about outer space or the ocean.

The company has 600 installations worldwide located in museums, corporate promotion venues, zoos and aquariums together with some of the leading theme parks in the UK, France, United States, Holland, South Africa and New Zealand. It also has one of the largest libraries of 3D films in the industry including feature, animation and educational films.

Simworx was set up in 2005 by Terry Monkton and Andy Roberts. The business attracted £250,000 growth capital from Midven’s Advantage Growth Fund, while the firm also contacted UK Trade & Investment for help with its export strategy.

The company joined UKTI’s Passport to Export scheme for new exporters in 2005, eventually progressing to the Gateway to Global Growth programme for exporters with two to 10 years’ experience.

The programme provides firms with an in-depth export review, assistance with international trade strategies, networking opportunities and advice on accessing funding for events such as trade visits.
 
The advice has helped Simworx secure its biggest single contract to date – an £850,000 (€1m) deal for a 238-seat capacity 4D theatre at Futuroscope in France.

Mr Monkton said: “The funding assistance we’ve had from UKTI to attend exhibitions and events has helped us win business.

“We’ve had market research from UKTI on new markets such as Singapore and Pakistan which have helped hugely with our strategy for approaching these unfamiliar markets.  

“We’ve also had invaluable advice on local business customs for example in Medellin, Columbia where we recently signed a £300,000 order for a 4D theatre.”

UKTI International Trade Adviser to the firm, Joy Heatley said: “Simworx is an energetic and enthusiastic company to work alongside, delivering fantastic ways of having fun as well as learning.   

“The Heritage and Tourism sector – including museums, theme parks and visitor attractions – is worth £21bn to the UK’s economy and Simworx is an integral element of that.  As technology develops I can see Simworx being at the forefront of this dynamic sector.”