We build Strategic Machines.
We are your product design and manufacturing partner in your journey from concept to commercial success.
We design and manufacture Strategic Machines, optimising your product to drive growth and commercial success.
We are your product design and manufacturing partner, delivering innovative, reliable, and scalable solutions that mitigate risks and expedite your product’s path to market using our Solve + Scale + Supply model.
Innovative Product Partner
We help businesses design and build strategic machines that transform industries.
Accelerating Time-to-Market
Our proven process speeds up development, reducing risk and driving commercial success.
A Hub of Innovation
Our 100,000-square-foot facility in Northumberland houses over 200 specialists.
Trusted by Leaders
Global brands trust us to turn complex ideas into reality, consistently and efficiently.
How we create strategic machines
Discover how Tharsus partners with businesses to create strategic machines that drive innovation and commercial success.
Trusted by:
“Our purpose is to deliver tech that matters.
The opportunity to collaborate with companies that make a significant positive difference to some of the fundamental problems society faces – is tech that matters in its truest sense."
Joni Rautavuori, Tharsus CEO
Our Mission
To do the right thing. If we have the trust of our customers, colleagues and stakeholders, we can achieve our Vision.
Our Vision
To be the best strategic machine maker on the planet, until machines make themselves.
Our Values
Our values are real. They guide us in everything we do.
Our purpose is to deliver tech that matters.
We are devoted to taking complex tech products to successful volume manufacturing.
Contact us
Our team will reach out to discuss how we can help bring your project to life
Our Journey:
Founded in 1964
The company began as a metalworking business and social club, with its name originating from a typo of "Tharsis," a local bridge in Hebburn.
Acquired in 1998
Tharsus was acquired by Brian Palmer, who revitalised the company through significant investment and strategic growth initiatives.
Success in 2000
Attracted major clients like Marconi, Viasystems, BT, and Ericsson during the technology boom.
Developed in 2003
Developed a main distribution frame product for BT, laying the groundwork for modern UK telephone exchanges.
Acquired in 2007
Acquired 'Direct Message,' gaining contracts with BAE Land Systems and the London Underground.
Transformed in 2010
Transformed into an outsourced developer and manufacturer of complex electromechanical products.
Entered robotics market 2012
Entered the robotics market by developing a robotic warehouse distribution platform for Ocado.
Relocated in 2013
Relocated all operations to Blyth, Northumberland.
Expanded in 2017
Expanded into creating task-specific robotic products, rebranding its engineering and sheet metal fabrication arm as Universal Wolf.
Employer of the year 2019
Continued growth and facility expansion; won Employer of the Year in 2019.
Launched Bump 2020
Launched "Bump," a social distancing system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business of the Year 2022
Named Business of the Year at the North-East Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards. Welcomed Joni Rautavuori as the new CEO.
Invested in 2023
Despite challenging market conditions, Tharsus invested in the development of proprietary logistics automation products.
Launched VersaTile 2024
Launched and span out VersaTile Automation, a new robotics business aimed at enhancing warehouse productivity.
Universal Wolf is our sister company, focused on complex metal fabrication. Known for its precision engineering and high-quality standards, Universal Wolf serves industries with exacting demands, such as defence, transportation, and energy. The company’s bespoke manufacturing solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring robust and reliable products that perform exceptionally in the most challenging environments. Universal Wolf’s commitment to excellence and collaboration makes it a trusted partner for businesses looking to achieve superior fabrication outcomes.
Tharsus and Universal Wolf form a unique vertically integrated end to end “one stop shop” for developing and building strategic machines under one business group.