Northern Switchgear & Controls
Northern Switchgear & Controls designs, manufactures, installs, and maintains type-tested electrical switchgear and energy management equipment for UK and international construction, government, pharmaceutical, and energy sector clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersBoldon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Northern Switchgear & Controls does
Northern Switchgear & Controls Ltd, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Boldon, South Tyneside (North East England), is a specialist designer and manufacturer of type-tested electrical switchgear and energy management equipment. Its core product portfolio spans HV/LV packaged substations (800A–6300A, ASTA-certified to 100kA/1 sec), low voltage AC switchboards including National Grid variants (all forms of separation up to Form 4 Type 7, seismically tested), generator connection units (400A–3200A), auto changeover units, control panels, power distribution units, motor control panels, panelboards (250A–1600A), and distribution boards (up to 250A), all certified to BS EN 61439-1. Complementary offerings include smart panel metering for energy monitoring and retro-fitting services to extend the life of obsolete equipment.
The company operates a project-based B2B model, providing custom-engineered switchgear to electrical contractors and main contractors on construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects. Pricing is generated per project from customer-supplied drawings, schedules, and specifications; revenue streams encompass hardware sales, professional services (delivery, installation, commissioning), and recurring service and maintenance contracts. GTM is direct enterprise field sales, with early-stage engagement on projects and repeat business from contractor relationships. Customers span UK construction (Bellway Homes, Wates Construction, Willmott Dixon, Buckingham Group, Robertson), government and public sector (North Tyneside, Gateshead, Stockton, York councils), pharmaceutical manufacturing (Sterling Pharma Solutions), automotive R&D (BorgWarner), leisure/heritage, MOD, utility, marine, and offshore energy, alongside international export work for energy majors (Conoco, ESSO, Dupont, M W Kellogg, Brown & Root, Fluor Intercontinental, USAF).
The company is privately held by management, currently expanding its Boldon manufacturing facility to accommodate recent contract wins, and growing its technical workforce through targeted hires (including offshore expertise from Wood Group) and an apprenticeship pipeline via Tyne North Training.
Northern Switchgear & Controls firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Northern Switchgear & Controls
- Legal name
- Northern Switchgear & Controls Ltd
- Website
- https://northern-switchgear.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Northern Switchgear & Controls designs, manufactures, installs, and maintains type-tested electrical switchgear and energy management equipment for UK and international construction, government, pharmaceutical, and energy sector clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Northern Switchgear & Controls industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electrical Switchgear
- NAICS
- Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)
- SIC
- Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Substation Systems & Integration (EPC, Engineering, Protection, Commissioning) (IMAGAAAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS) (IMAGAAAB), Testing, Commissioning, Maintenance & Retrofit/Modernization (Substations/Switchgear) (EUADACAL), Low-Voltage Switchboards & Panelboards (LV distribution panels, MCCs, switchboards) (IMAGAEAA)
Keywords
Where Northern Switchgear & Controls is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boldon
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Northern Switchgear & Controls business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Electrical Switchgear Manufacturing and Sales: Design, manufacture, and sale of electrical switchgear products including HV/LV packaged sub stations, switchboards, power distribution units, motor control panels. Products are type tested and verified to BSEN61439-1. Revenue is project-based with custom quotations for each order.
- Installation Services: Site services including delivery, installation, and commissioning of switchgear equipment.
- Service and Maintenance: Ongoing service and maintenance contracts for installed switchgear systems.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom project-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Northern Switchgear & Controls product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Northern Switchgear & Controls designs, manufactures, and installs bespoke electrical switchgear including HV/LV packaged substations, low voltage AC switchboards, generator connection units, auto changeover units, power distribution units, motor control panels, panelboards, and distribution boards. All products are type-tested and verified to BS EN 61439-1. The company also provides full-lifecycle services including delivery, installation, commissioning, retrofitting of obsolete equipment, and ongoing maintenance for installed switchgear systems.
Product overview
Northern Switchgear & Controls is a specialist electrical switchgear manufacturer offering a unified portfolio of power distribution and control equipment. The core product line centers on HV/LV Package Substations, LVAC Switchboards (including National Grid variants), and Generator Connection Units/Auto Changeover Units, all type tested to BS EN 61439-1. Complementary hardware includes Power Distribution Units, Motor Control Panels, Panelboards (250A–1600A), and Distribution Boards (up to 250A). Smart Panel Metering adds energy management capability to the hardware range. The company provides full-service support through Site Services (delivery, installation, commissioning) and Retro-Fitting Services, enabling customers to work with a single supplier from design through maintenance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- HV/LV Package Substations High and low voltage packaged substations designed and manufactured to BS EN 61439-1, available from 800A to 6300A with ASTA certified heat rise performance and short circuit ratings up to 100kA/1 sec. All Forms of Separation available up to Form 4 Type 7, with 100% and 200% neutral busbar options. Seismically tested and certified.
- LVAC Switchboards Low voltage AC switchboards fully compliant with BS EN 61439-1, available in all forms of separation up to Form 4 Type 7, with 100% and 200% neutral busbar options.
- National Grid LVAC Switchboards Specialized switchboards designed for National Grid specifications and requirements.
- LVAC Generator Connection Units Generator connection units ranging from 400A to 3200A capacity, with 13A socket outlet, heater and thermostat. Eliminates trailing cable hazards through forced sequential safe connection of generators. Designed for outdoor use with lockable overall door.
- LVAC Auto Changeover Units Automatic transfer switching equipment with fully integrated ATS controller, self-powered from incoming supplies at 230 VAC (176-288 VAC), 50/60 Hz (45/65Hz).
- Control Panels Custom-designed control panels for various industrial and commercial applications.
- Power Distribution Units Electrical power distribution units designed for efficient and safe electricity distribution across facilities.
- Motor Control Panels Control panels for motor management and control in industrial applications.
- Panelboards (250A to 1600A) Panelboards designed and manufactured to BS EN 61439-1, available from 250 Amps to 1600 Amps with forms of separation from Form 3B Type 2 to Form 4 Type 6. Short circuit withstand of 36 or 50 kA. Metering and split metering options available.
- Distribution Boards (up to 250A) Distribution boards designed, manufactured and tested to BS EN 61439-3, available up to 250 Amps with metering and split metering options.
- Retro-Fitting Services Retrofitting of obsolete products with modern switchgear as a cost-effective solution to maximize equipment life and reduce lead times compared to new installations.
- Site Services (Delivery, Installation, and Commissioning) Comprehensive site services including delivery, installation, and commissioning of electrical switchgear equipment for construction and industrial projects.
- Service and Maintenance Contracts Ongoing service and maintenance contracts for installed switchgear systems, providing long-term support after project completion.
Quantifiable outcome
- Developed bespoke L-shaped switchboard to fit space constraints in Grade II listed Spanish City building
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Northern Switchgear & Controls
Customer profileNamed customers26 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Northern Switchgear & Controls technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Northern Switchgear & Controls partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Tyne North TrainingcoreTyne North Training provides apprenticeship programs through Tyne Met College in Wallsend. Northern Switchgear employs apprentices through this partnership, including electrical apprenticeships and business administration apprenticeships, supporting workforce development and talent pipeline.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Northern Switchgear & Controls competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Siemens: Multinational conglomerate with major switchgear, substation, and energy management divisions. Competes for large UK infrastructure and industrial switchgear projects where Northern Switchgear also bids.
- Siemens: Multinational conglomerate with major switchgear, substation, and energy management divisions. Competes for large UK infrastructure and industrial switchgear projects where Northern Switchgear also bids.
- ABB: Global electrification and automation leader with comprehensive switchgear, motor control, and substation product lines. Poaches talent from and competes with Northern Switchgear; former employer of one of their electrical engineers.
- Eaton: Global power management company offering switchgear, motor controls, and distribution assemblies across HV/LV classes. Competes with Northern Switchgear in commercial and industrial switchgear but offers a far broader portfolio including UPS, lighting, and vehicle electrification.
- Schneider Electric: Global energy management and automation giant with extensive switchgear and substation offerings. Engaged with Northern Switchgear on AR/digital tools; competes broadly across the same end-customers in construction and infrastructure.
Direct peers
- Lucy Electric: UK-based specialist manufacturer of switchgear, package substations, and distribution automation products serving utility, industrial, and commercial customers. Direct competitor in the bespoke HV/LV substation and switchboard space.
- CUBIC: Denmark-based modular switchgear specialist offering LV and HV switchboards, package substations, and motor control centers. Direct technical peer for custom-engineered electrical distribution equipment serving European construction and industrial markets.
- Leoni Electrical Contracting: UK electrical contractor and switchgear provider focused on commercial and industrial installations. Comparable bespoke switchgear assembly capability for regional construction projects in Northern England and beyond.
- Apex Switchgear: UK specialist switchgear manufacturer offering LV switchboards and power distribution solutions. Comparable in scale and product scope to Northern Switchgear, serving similar UK construction and industrial customers.
Emerging players
- Elbagate: Bespoke LV switchboard and motor control centre manufacturer serving UK commercial, industrial, and renewable energy sectors. Comparable specialist manufacturer with similar certification standards and project-based sales model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Northern Switchgear & Controls social profiles
Digital presenceNorthern Switchgear & Controls financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Northern Switchgear & Controls leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Northern Switchgear & Controls funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Northern Switchgear & Controls M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Northern Switchgear & Controls
What does Northern Switchgear & Controls do?
Northern Switchgear & Controls designs, manufactures, and installs bespoke electrical switchgear including HV/LV packaged substations, low voltage AC switchboards, generator connection units, auto changeover units, power distribution units, motor control panels, panelboards, and distribution boards. All products are type-tested and verified to BS EN 61439-1. The company also provides full-lifecycle services including delivery, installation, commissioning, retrofitting of obsolete equipment, and ongoing maintenance for installed switchgear systems.
Is Northern Switchgear & Controls a public or private company?
Northern Switchgear & Controls is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Northern Switchgear & Controls founded?
Northern Switchgear & Controls was founded in 1993. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Northern Switchgear & Controls based?
Northern Switchgear & Controls is headquartered in Boldon, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Northern Switchgear & Controls make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Electrical Switchgear Manufacturing and Sales are the primary driver. The others are installation Services and service and Maintenance.
Who are Northern Switchgear & Controls's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Siemens, Siemens, ABB, Eaton and Schneider Electric. Direct peers are Lucy Electric, CUBIC, Leoni Electrical Contracting and Apex Switchgear. Elbagate is listed as an emerging player.
Does Northern Switchgear & Controls have an API?
No public API is recorded for Northern Switchgear & Controls.
What industry is Northern Switchgear & Controls in?
Northern Switchgear & Controls's product category is Electrical Switchgear. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAAAC, Substation Systems & Integration (EPC, Engineering, Protection, Commissioning), with a secondary code of IMAGAAAB, Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS). Its NAICS code is 335313 and its SIC code is 3613.