One multidisciplinary team for product design, engineering, prototyping and manufacture.
The story behind S29 began when founder Rob Gibbs first went into business at the age of 29. Driven by a passion for product design and innovation, his vision was to bridge the gaps between design, engineering and prototyping, giving customers one experienced team to bring ambitious ideas to life.
As the business evolved, Factory 31 brought manufacturing into the journey, creating a seamless connection between design and production.
Today, S29 brings everything together as one integrated team of designers, engineers and manufacturing specialists. From initial concept through prototyping, electronics development, compliance and full production, we provide a complete turnkey solution for bringing hardware products to market.
With over 20 years in product design and development, Rob leads S29’s vision and growth. Combining creative thinking with commercial and manufacturing expertise, he remains hands-on in what he enjoys most: bringing innovative products to market.
David leads our design team, guiding projects from concept through to manufacture. His 18 years at Dyson, including as Head of Innovation, bring extensive expertise in product design, mechanical engineering and turning innovative ideas into successful products.
Stephen leads our contract manufacturing business. His background in technical sales through to PCBA manufacturing in defence and high-reliability industries, helps move smoothly from prototype to production.
Steve specialises in strategic business growth in the electronics industry and supports the company with over 40 years of experience. Nothing he doesn’t know about PCB’s!
Becky keeps S29 organised and running smoothly, overseeing HR, accounts, logistics and office administration. With a hands-on approach and an eye for detail, she keeps the team supported, processes on track and the day-to-day business running efficiently, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
With a background in client relations in design industy, Nicky brings exceptional organisation and coordination to S29. The driving force behind operations, she keeps production organised and acts as a key point of contact for our customers.
Nick specialises in electronic hardware design, from complex circuit development and PCB layouts to embedded programming, turning challenging concepts into reliable, production-ready electronics.
Aaron specialises in embedded software, Bluetooth connectivity and app development, bringing hardware and software together to create intelligent, connected products.
Tom is the Swiss army knife electronics engineer who can do a bit of everything. Software, hardware and even some mechanical design. Electronics is his hobby so coming to work and design electronics systems and solving complex problem is his bread and butter!
Lewis combines electronics design expertise with SMT manufacturing knowledge, bridging the gap between engineering and production to ensure designs are optimised for reliable, efficient manufacture.
Lorean drives quality standards across our SMT department, bringing IPC-level expertise and attention to detail to electronics manufacturing. He supports and trains colleagues, helping maintain consistent workmanship and high production standards.
Norbert leads our conformal coating operations, bringing precision and attention to detail across SMT and electronics assembly to ensure consistently high manufacturing standards.
Nigel supports a wide range of production activities, bringing flexibility and a hands-on approach to assembly, testing and manufacturing. Always ready to get involved wherever needed.
Jane specialises in through-hole (THT) assembly, bringing precision and attention to detail to component placement, soldering and electronics production, ensuring consistent quality throughout.
Matthew supports our SMT production, specialising in automated optical inspection (AOI) and robotic soldering, helping maintain quality, accuracy and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process.
Josh specialises in technical product assembly, testing and programming, with a strong focus on quality and attention to detail. He ensures electronic products are accurately assembled, configured and thoroughly tested before delivery.
The AI boom is pulling China’s PCB capacity towards complex server boards, and that is pushing low- and medium-volume electronics work back to the UK and Europe. The complex multilayer boards inside AI servers are now made almost entirely in China. Europe has lost much of the capability to build them, and the number of…
Prototyping in product development is a crucial step in turning an initial concept into a successful manufactured product. By testing functionality, identifying design challenges and refining products before production, businesses can reduce development risks, control costs and accelerate time to market. At S29, we combine product design, engineering and manufacturing expertise to support this entire…
The product design and development process is about much more than creating an attractive product. At S29, we combine creative product design, mechanical engineering, electronics development, prototyping and manufacturing to take ideas from concept through to production. Our integrated approach ensures every stage of development is considered, helping businesses reduce risk, improve efficiency and bring…
