Envision Engineering & Design has bought a Leica Geosystems mobile 3D scanner

Caithness-based engineering firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd is investing in new technology that will help increase business turnover and productivity while cutting carbon emissions.

The company has purchased a Leica Geosystems mobile 3D scanner after securing a £6,390 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the total cost of £21,300.

Founded in 2016, Envision has seen steady growth, and currently employs 6.5 full time equivalent mechanical engineers from its Thurso office.

With clients throughout Scotland, the business offers design and engineering services. Using the latest equipment and software allows them to carry out site surveys, optioneering studies, concept/scheme/detailed design, 2D & 3D drawings, technical assessments, and complex engineering calculations, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Its first 3D scanner, bought in 2018 with HIE support, allowed the business to grow and develop its niche element in the market.

The new Leica scanner will enable Envision to offer a broader range of services to existing and new clients.

It will be used to create 3D digital twin models of clients’ sites providing them with walkthrough photo realistic views, the ability to take measurements and manage their assets remotely without the need for physical visits to site.

This will offer a significant reduction in their carbon footprint, reduce their internal costs and increase productivity by significantly reducing travel time to and from sites.

Alongside substantial carbon savings, use of the new equipment has helped the company achieve a six-figure increase in turnover and 30% boost in productivity within 12 months.

Hilary Budge, senior development manager with HIE’s Caithness and Sutherland team, said:

“Envision is a valuable contributor to the Caithness economy and a crucial employer offering skilled jobs. This project is a great example of applying the latest technology to increase productivity and competitiveness while reducing carbon emissions.

“Strengthening the company’s position and resilience will help attract new talent, develop the advanced engineering sector in the north and boost confidence in the capacity of the wider supply chain. I’m delighted we’ve been able to support the project and look forwards to continuing to work with the team at Envision.”

Stuart Anderson, operations director with Envision, said:

“The support from HIE in purchasing the new equipment represents a significant step forward for Envision, creating new jobs and developing a highly skilled workforce. We are now poised to tackle even more complex challenges and are confident in securing new opportunities.”