Isembard, a manufacturing company for critical industries, has announced the opening of its first franchisee factory in the United States.
The 3,800-sq.-ft. factory is equipped to produce components for the aerospace and defense industries-critical and fast-growing sectors that are dependent on precision-machined components.
The St. Louis factory is part of a new manufacturing model that aims to revitalize the small machine shop and rapidly boost America's industrial base. Isembard is the first to apply the franchise model to precision manufacturing for critical industries, providing independent operators access to Isembard's technology, brand, customers, and accreditation. This allows franchisees to own and scale their own manufacturing businesses with support.
The factory will be operated by franchisee Jonathan Foster, a former cardiac surgery nurse. Foster stepped away from healthcare during the pandemic and taught himself machining from scratch, starting with a single CNC machine in an unheated pole barn with his business partner Robbie Crider in Troy, MO. He has since grown his manufacturing business and will be scaling more factories under Isembard's banner.
The company, headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, is actively seeking franchisees across the country to meet the growing demand for precision-machined components for critical industries. The expansion is backed by Isembard's recent $50M Series A funding round, led by Union Square Ventures, with participation from Tamarack Global, IQ Capital, Notion Capital, and CIV.
Justin Baucum, U.S. Expansion Lead at Isembard, said: "Missouri is the next chapter in Isembard's growth, with more to come. There is enormous demand for defense, aerospace, and energy manufacturing in this country, but not enough well-equipped component factories to handle it. Our franchise model will help close that gap by giving people like Jonathan everything they need to build a world-class operation."
Jonathan Foster, owner and General Manager, said: "I am really excited to be part of the growing Isembard family. Everyone can play a role in the resurgence of American manufacturing, and that is the beauty of the Isembard model. Isembard gives people from all walks of life the tools they need to build something world-class in their own backyard. It is a real partnership: when I succeed, they succeed."
For more information contact:
Isembard
7 International Plaza Ct.
St. Ann, MO 63074
contact@isembard.com
www.isembard.com