What GB Controls does

GB Controls is a UK-based, privately held designer and manufacturer of electronic temperature control systems, established in December 1984 and operating from a 6,000+ sq ft manufacturing facility in Nelson, Lancashire. The company produces standardized and bespoke control panels for refrigeration, heat pumps, motor control, PLC/HMI, and industrial radio remote control applications, with in-house PCB design, sub-assembly, cable harness, and software development capabilities that support both volume stockist supply and project-specific engineering work. Core products include five families of refrigeration control panels (Universal, Condensing Unit Starter, Digital Evaporator, Digital Coldroom, and Digital Auto Change-Over), all transitioned to the Eliwell/Schneider EWNext platform with Bluetooth connectivity and HACCP-compliant logging, alongside heat pump panels, REMdevice radio control systems distributed under an exclusive UK and Eire agreement, temperature monitoring and data logging systems, and a Personnel Safety Alarm compliant with BS EN 378-1:2016.

The business operates a hybrid B2B go-to-market combining direct engineering sales for bespoke projects (serving customers such as Clade Engineering Systems, Cobrey Farms, North Brewing Co., and CUT UK) with a distribution network of more than eight authorized UK stockists including FSW, Wolseley Climate, TF Solutions, HRP, Kooltech, ACR Supplies, Dean & Wood, and RW Refrigeration, collectively providing over 100 branch locations for standard panel reach. End customers span supermarkets (ASDA, Aldi, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado, Walmart USA), healthcare (NHS Blood and Transplant, AstraZeneca, Seqirus, Oxford Biomedica), food production (Scotbeef, Bakkavor, Karro Foods), hospitality (McDonald's, multiple breweries), and education/research (Oxford, Southampton, Durham universities, Cancer Research UK), with revenue generated primarily through one-time hardware sales and bespoke engineering services rather than disclosed recurring software or subscription contracts. The company is owner-managed by Technical Director James Hibbert and Director Peter Wootten, holds ISO 9001:2015 certification since 2003, and reports continued year-on-year growth with active product investment through 2025.

Name

GB Controls

Legal name

GB Controls Limited

Website

https://gbcontrols.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

GB Controls is a UK-based, privately held manufacturer founded in 1984 that designs and produces standardized and bespoke electronic control panels, heat pump controllers, and industrial radio remote control systems for refrigeration, healthcare, food processing, and retail customers, distributed via a UK stockist network and direct engineering sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Refrigeration Control Systems

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613)

akta.pro primary industry

Refrigeration Components & Controls (Compressors, Valves, Sensors) (IMAHAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cold Chain & Temperature-Controlled Storage Equipment (IMAHAKAJ), Industrial Control Panels & Enclosures (Panel Building, MCCs, Integration) (IMAGABAJ), Refrigeration Controls, Thermostats & Sensors Service (HSAOAJAF)

Keywords

• Refrigeration control panels
• Heat pump controllers
• Radio remote controls
• Industrial control systems
• Temperature monitoring systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Nelson

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Standard Control Panels: GB Controls manufactures and sells pre-configured, standard refrigeration control panels including Universal, Condensing Unit Starter, Digital Evaporator, Digital Coldroom, and Auto Change-Over panels. These are sold through a network of UK stockists and directly to end customers. Panels feature Eliwell EWNext digital controllers and are priced per unit, representing a core recurring revenue stream through repeat orders from the wholesale network and end customers.
2. Bespoke Control Panels: GB Controls designs and manufactures bespoke control panels tailored to individual customer specifications across refrigeration, HVAC, motor control, PLC/HMI, crane control, BMS, and general control applications. Custom orders are fulfilled directly by GB Controls' engineering team for niche requirements that standard panels cannot address, often involving complex projects like heat pump cascades, CO2 systems, and industrial radio control systems.
3. Temperature Monitoring and Data Logging Systems: Sale of temperature monitoring panels (LAN and 4G variants), 8-channel data loggers, GSM/GPRS mobile network monitoring systems (GBSM-120 series), door open alarms, and personnel safety alarms. These products are sold as standalone units or integrated with existing refrigeration systems, providing supplementary revenue from both new installations and retrofit markets.
4. Radio Control Systems: GB Controls distributes REMdevice industrial radio control products (transmitters, receivers, transceivers) as the authorized UK and Eire distributor and repair centre. Revenue is generated through product sales and repair services for industrial remote control applications including cranes, lifting equipment, material handling, and mobile machinery.
5. Refrigeration Pack Controls and Systems Integration: Design, software development, and panel build services as an RDM approved systems partner. Includes bespoke refrigeration pack control panels for HFC, A2L, and CO2 refrigerants using controllers from Danfoss, RDM, Emerson-Dixell, JTL Systems, and Carel. Also encompasses inverter drive and soft-starter system integration using products from Invertek, ABB, Schneider, Danfoss, and Bitzer.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

GB Controls designs and manufactures standardized and bespoke electronic temperature control panels for refrigeration and heat pump applications. The company produces control panels (Universal, Condensing Unit, Evaporator, Coldroom, Auto Change-Over), heat pump control panels, REMdevice radio remote control systems, and supplementary temperature monitoring and safety products. All manufacturing is performed in-house at the Nelson, Lancashire facility with PCB design, cable harness production, and software development capabilities.

Product overview

GB Controls is a UK-based manufacturer of industrial electronic control systems, offering both standardized and bespoke control panels. The product portfolio centers on refrigeration control (Universal, Condensing Unit, Evaporator, Coldroom, and Auto Change-Over panels), heat pump control panels, and REMdevice radio remote control systems (T Series, BRICK, PAIL, GENESIS, and various receivers). Supporting products include temperature monitoring systems (LAN and 4G variants), the 8 Channel Temperature Data Logger, Personnel Safety Alarm, Door Open Alarm, and Web Based HMIs. The company also provides bespoke solutions including refrigeration pack controls and inverter drive systems. All standard panels utilize the EWNext digital controller with Bluetooth connectivity and HACCP compliance capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Universal Control Panel Range Compact and economical refrigeration control panels featuring EWNext digital controller for managing evaporator fans, defrost heaters, lighting, and door switches, housed in IP55 technopolymer enclosures. Used by refrigeration contractors and installers.
• Condensing Unit Starter Panel Range Premium quality condensing unit starter panels built in mild steel enclosures with enhanced durability for large-scale refrigeration installations, providing smooth start-up sequences and protective interlocks.
• Digital Evaporator Control Panel Range High-specification evaporator control panels featuring EWNext controllers for precise defrost cycles, multi-fan sequencing, and consistent coldroom temperature maintenance in robust steel cabinets.
• Digital Coldroom Control Panel Range Comprehensive coldroom management panels integrating full controller functionality, multi-zone sensors, defrost and lighting control, and door interlock systems within high-spec mild steel enclosures for HACCP compliance environments.
• Digital Auto Change-Over Panel Range Automatic change-over control panels that automate seamless switching between two independent refrigeration systems on an alternate duty cycle, controlled by time, temperature alarm, or manual selector switch.
• Heat Pump Control Panels Bespoke and standard control panels acting as central hub for heat pump control and monitoring, featuring HMI display, PLC controller, sensors, timer scheduling, and diagnostic systems for optimized heat pump performance. Supports low GWP refrigerants (R290, R600) in cascade configurations.
• Radio Control T SERIES Compact radio remote controls for gantry and overhead cranes with 3, 5, or 7 button configurations, featuring IP65 protection, up to 1,200 working hours battery life, and 2.4 GHz frequency option.
• Radio Control BRICK Compact and robust radio transmitter with up to 12 buttons, data feedback, and selector/potentiometric controller, featuring patented induction wireless charging and IP65 rating for up to 35 hours operation.
• Radio Control PAIL High reliability console for radio controls on gantry and overhead cranes with 2, 3, 4, or 5 joysticks, induction wireless charging for over 35 hours autonomy, and configurable data feedback options.
• Radio Control GENESIS Advanced radio control with joysticks and integrated 2.6 or 3.2 inch displays, featuring wireless induction charging for 35 hours operation, dust and humidity isolation, and configurable for material handling, lifting, and marine applications.
• Radio Control UTC + URC Fixed radio control modules for continuous and secure transfer of ON-OFF digital commands, supporting up to 20 simultaneous individual commands in 870 MHz and 434 MHz frequency bands.
• DCS10 Bidirectional Remote Control Industrial radio transceiver for bidirectional transfer of up to 10 simultaneous on/off relay commands between industrial equipment via radio frequency.
• Temperature Monitoring (LAN and 4G) Panels Network-connected temperature monitoring panels supporting up to 4 sensors with browser-based setup, mobile app access, SMS/email alerts, IP55-rated enclosures, mains power with battery backup options, and relay-driven alarms for local sounders/beacons and BMS integration.
• 8 Channel Temperature Data Logger Monitors up to 8 temperature probes simultaneously with web-based interface, real-time trend graphing, CSV data export, built-in HMI for advanced configuration, IP65-rated enclosure, SD card management, USB transfer, and adjustable alarms with volt-free outputs for BMS integration.
• Personnel Safety Alarm (PSA) High-integrity fail-safe system for walk-in coldroom and freezer trapped-person detection. Features dual-channel processing, monitored alarm/fault relays, integrated 95dB beacon/sounder, 10-hour battery backup, up to 2 supervised coldroom pushbuttons (≤30m wiring), IP65 enclosure, 85-264Vac supply.
• Coldroom Door Open Alarm Alerts staff when coldroom door is left open, reducing energy waste and temperature rise risk. Features two configurable time ranges, two independent door inputs, relay output, door/alarm LED indication, adjustable illuminated sounder, IP65 enclosure, 85-264Vac supply.
• Web Based HMI Touch screen HMI panels available in 7-inch (1024x600) and 10-inch XL (1280x800 HD) versions with 8-core ARM Cortex A7 CPU at 1.2GHz, Android 6.0.1 OS, built-in status LED bar, RJ45 Ethernet, USB 2.0, operates 9-36Vdc, CE and UKCA certified, IP31 rated (IP65 optional cover). Panel mountable, compatible with any PLC with HTML browser-based GUI.
• EWNext Controller Touch screen controller replacing Eliwell EWPlus series, featuring high energy savings, modern black design with white display, Bluetooth connectivity via HACCP module (BTLE Dongle) enabling smartphone pairing through Eliwell AIR mobile app, support for low GWP refrigerants (R290, R600), and IP65 protection.
• Bespoke Refrigeration Pack Controls and Inverter Drive Systems Bespoke refrigeration pack control panels for HFC, A2L, and CO2 refrigerants, utilizing controllers from Danfoss, RDM, Emerson-Dixell, JTL Systems, and Carel. Includes inverter drives and soft-starter system integration using products from Invertek, ABB, Schneider, Danfoss, and Bitzer for capacity control and energy efficiency.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 17% reduction in energy consumption in cold storage facilities through effective door control systems
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers30 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization)coreOthers · 1 January 2003GB Controls achieved ISO 9001 compliance in 2003 and continues to maintain a certified quality assurance system to BS EN ISO 9001:2015. This certification demonstrates the company's commitment to quality management systems in the design and manufacture of control panels.
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)coreOthers · 1 January 2003GB Controls has been a proud member of the IET business partner program for over two decades, reflecting the company's commitment to promoting and developing knowledge and professionalism within the organisation and investing in professional development of its team.
• Institute of Refrigeration (IOR)minorOthersGB Controls holds membership with the Institute of Refrigeration, demonstrating industry engagement and commitment to the refrigeration and air conditioning sector in the UK.
• RDM (Resource Data Management)coreTechnology or IntegrationGB Controls is an approved RDM systems partner for system design, software development, and panel build. The partnership enables GB Controls to design and manufacture bespoke refrigeration pack control panels using RDM controllers including Intuitive Mini, Superpack, and STC0² Controllers. GB Controls writes custom software in the TDB (The Data Builder) software environment for unique control strategies.
• REMdevicecoreTechnology or IntegrationGB Controls is the authorized UK and Eire distributor and repair centre for REMdevice radio control systems. REMdevice engineers produce state-of-the-art radio control systems, and GB Controls resells, integrates, and repairs these products for industrial applications including cranes, material handling, lifting equipment, and mobile machinery.
• HRP WholesalecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHRP is an official GB Controls stockist with over 60 years of experience in refrigeration and air conditioning wholesale. HRP stocks standard GB Controls panels and provides pre- and post-sale advice through its knowledgeable expert team. HRP served as the wholesaler in the Cobrey Farms project alongside contractor CoolingFX.
• CoolingFXminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCoolingFX is a commercial refrigeration solutions contractor with over 25 years of industry experience. They served as the main contractor and installer for the Cobrey Farms project where GB Controls engineered the control system and CoolingFX installed and commissioned the equipment.
• GalxC CoolingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGalxC Cooling approached GB Controls to build modern control panels with remote connectivity and graphical touch screen interfaces for breweries. GB Controls has built multiple panels of varying size for breweries around the UK through this relationship, with North Brewing Co. as the end customer.
• Clade Engineering SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClade Engineering Solutions is a long-standing customer and strategic partner of GB Controls. The companies have collaborated on numerous large-scale projects focused on industrial refrigeration and heat pumps. GB Controls has manufactured heat pump control panels for Clade's natural refrigerant heat pump projects across UK supermarkets, schools, and local authorities. Collaboration began in 2021 and is ongoing, with GB Controls providing panels for R290/R600 cascade configurations with enhanced safety shutdown systems.
• Eliwell (Schneider Electric)coreTechnology or IntegrationEliwell (a Schneider Electric brand) supplies the EWNext Performance series digital controllers and EWPlus controllers used across GB Controls' standard refrigeration control panel range. GB Controls is transitioning all standard panels to the EWNext platform featuring touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, energy savings, and low GWP refrigerant compatibility (R290, R600). The EWNext is supported by the HACCP BTLE Dongle module and Eliwell AIR mobile app.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell: Global industrial automation and building controls incumbent. Competes with GB Controls in commercial refrigeration control and supermarket HVAC/energy management via its broader controls portfolio; orders of magnitude larger.
• Danfoss: Large Danish controls and refrigeration components manufacturer (AK-PC controllers, inverters, valves). Supplies components into GB Controls panels and competes in adjacent refrigeration controls, with far greater scale and global reach.
• Schneider Electric: Global industrial automation and energy management incumbent; parent of Eliwell. Competes broadly in commercial refrigeration and building controls via its EcoStruxure platform and overlaps with GB Controls' PLC/HMI and refrigeration monitoring offerings.
• Eliwell (Schneider Electric): Schneider Electric-owned refrigeration controller brand; supplies the EWNext platform that forms the core of GB Controls' standard panel range. A supplier-partner today but a competitor if it moves downstream into pre-assembled panels.
• Carel: Italian-headquartered global manufacturer of refrigeration and HVAC controls. Supplies controllers and electronic components into the same customer base as GB Controls and competes for OEM design wins; significantly larger with global sales.

Direct peers

• HBC Radiomatic: German-based global manufacturer of radio remote controls for cranes, lifting, and material handling. Directly comparable to GB Controls' REMdevice distribution/integration business on the industrial radio-control side.
• Dixell (Emerson Climate Technologies): Emerson-owned refrigeration electronic controls brand directly comparable to Eliwell and Carel. Sells refrigeration controllers, controllers, and monitoring products into the same supermarket, coldroom, and food-service end markets as GB Controls.
• JTL Systems: UK refrigeration controls specialist with similar focus on coldroom monitoring, HACCP compliance, and supermarket refrigeration. Directly comparable in customer base, channel, and product scope.
• RDM (Resource Data Management): UK-based refrigeration controls and monitoring manufacturer; approved-partner supplier to GB Controls. Directly comparable product portfolio (refrigeration controllers, monitoring, system design) and shared UK customer base in supermarkets and cold storage.
• Wurm GmbH: German refrigeration and HVAC controls specialist with comparable product portfolio (electronic controllers, coldroom management, refrigeration system controls). Closest continental-European direct peer in product scope and customer type.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/gbcontrols
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gb-controls-ltd

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GB Controls