Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Turntide Technologies has secured significant UK government grant funding for ‘Project SUPREME’.
- The £17-million matched-funded program aims to automate axial flux motor manufacturing in North East England.
- This initiative seeks to overcome traditional production challenges of axial flux motor technology, making these compact and powerful motors more accessible.
- The 18-month project, running through January 2028, will expand Turntide’s Gateshead and Cramlington facilities.
- The move is expected to accelerate the adoption of lighter, more efficient electric powertrains across automotive and industrial sectors.
Gateshead, UK – August 13, 2026 – Turntide Technologies, a leader in sustainable motor solutions, has been awarded a crucial UK government grant to dramatically scale up the production of its advanced axial flux electric motors. This substantial funding supports ‘Project SUPREME’, a comprehensive £17-million matched-funded program designed to introduce state-of-the-art automation into the company’s motor manufacturing processes in North East England.
The grant underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering innovation in electric vehicle (EV) engineering and advanced manufacturing. By investing in this innovative axial flux motor technology, the government aims to solidify the nation’s position at the forefront of the global electric powertrain revolution, driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs.
Boosting Advanced Motor Manufacturing in the UK
Project SUPREME is slated for an intensive 18-month duration, culminating in January 2028. During this period, Turntide Technologies will focus on automating several labor-intensive stages inherent in axial flux motor production. These critical steps include precision winding and intricate tooling components, which have historically posed challenges for high-volume manufacturing.
Furthermore, the program encompasses rigorous validation processes for the motors, ensuring their readiness for mass production. A significant aspect of Project SUPREME also involves the registration and delivery of new intellectual property in its nascent stages, further strengthening Turntide’s proprietary advancements in axial flux motor technology.
Understanding Axial Flux Motor Technology
Axial flux motors represent a paradigm shift in electric motor design, distinguishing themselves from conventional radial flux designs through a unique architecture. In an axial flux motor, the magnetic flux travels parallel to the axis of rotation, rather than perpendicularly, as seen in radial flux counterparts. This fundamental difference confers several significant advantages critical for modern electric applications.
These advanced motors are notably more compact and substantially lighter, allowing for greater integration flexibility in space-constrained applications. Crucially, they boast a superior power density, meaning they can deliver more power output from a given physical size. This characteristic makes them highly desirable for a wide array of applications, from electric vehicles to industrial machinery.
Despite these inherent benefits, the widespread adoption of axial flux motor technology has historically been constrained by manufacturing complexities. Producing these intricate designs at scale has proven both more difficult and more expensive than traditional radial flux motors. This economic and logistical hurdle has limited their broader market penetration, a challenge Turntide is now poised to address head-on.
Addressing Production Bottlenecks for Wider Adoption
The strategic intent behind Project SUPREME is to directly tackle these manufacturing inefficiencies. By automating the previously labor-intensive stages, Turntide aims to close the gap between the theoretical advantages of axial flux motors and their practical, cost-effective mass production. This breakthrough is expected to enable the company to serve a much wider array of vehicle and equipment manufacturers across diverse volume requirements.
Such a development could unlock significant opportunities for industries seeking to enhance the efficiency, performance, and compactness of their electric drive systems. The ability to produce these motors at scale and at a more competitive cost is a game-changer for the ongoing electrification across various sectors.
Strategic Expansion in North East England
As part of this ambitious project, Turntide Technologies is set to expand its operational footprint within North East England. The company will significantly enlarge its existing production and research and development (R&D) campus situated in Gateshead. This expansion will facilitate increased manufacturing capacity and foster further innovation in motor design and production techniques.
Simultaneously, Turntide will re-establish a critical component and validation facility in Cramlington, Northumberland. This dual expansion strategy not only reinforces the company’s commitment to the region but also creates a robust ecosystem for the development and deployment of cutting-edge axial flux motor technology.
Leadership Vision for Future Electric Powertrains
Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies, articulated the profound impact of this initiative. “Project SUPREME is an important step in scaling next-generation electric motor technology production in the UK for the global market,” Mr. Hornyak stated. He further elaborated on the broader implications of the program.
“By enabling high volume axial flux motor production through automation and overall cost reduction, we’re driving wider adoption of more efficient, lighter electric powertrains across automotive and industrial applications.” His statement underscores the transformative potential of this project, not just for Turntide, but for the wider transition to sustainable electric solutions globally.
The investment reflects a strategic national interest in securing supply chains for critical EV components and fostering a robust ecosystem for advanced manufacturing. It positions the UK as a hub for innovation in electric motor design and production, attracting further investment and talent to the sector.
Impact on Global Electrification Efforts
The successful scaling of axial flux motor technology production holds significant implications for the global push towards electrification. Lighter and more efficient electric powertrains can lead to extended range in electric vehicles, reduced energy consumption in industrial machinery, and a smaller carbon footprint across various applications.
As industries worldwide grapple with the imperative to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency, the availability of cost-effective, high-performance electric motors becomes paramount. Turntide’s advancements, backed by UK government funding, are poised to play a crucial role in accelerating this transition, offering tangible benefits to manufacturers and end-users alike.
The project represents a confluence of governmental strategic investment and private sector innovation, aiming to overcome historical barriers to advanced technological adoption. It is expected to not only enhance Turntide’s market position but also contribute significantly to the UK’s green industrial revolution agenda.
Source: Turntide Technologies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Project SUPREME?
Project SUPREME is a £17-million matched-funded program led by Turntide Technologies, backed by UK government grant funding. Its primary goal is to automate key manufacturing steps for axial flux electric motors, enabling high-volume production and reducing costs.
What are axial flux motors and their benefits?
Axial flux motors are a type of electric motor where the magnetic flux runs parallel to the axis of rotation. They are significantly more compact, lighter, and offer higher power density compared to traditional radial flux designs, making them ideal for modern electric applications.
Where is Turntide Technologies scaling up production?
Turntide Technologies is expanding its production and R&D campus in Gateshead, North East England. Additionally, it will re-establish a component and validation facility in Cramlington, Northumberland, consolidating its regional operational footprint.
What is the timeline for Project SUPREME?
Project SUPREME is an 18-month initiative that commenced recently and is slated for completion by January 2028. During this period, significant automation and validation milestones are expected to be achieved.
How will this project impact the adoption of electric powertrains?
By making axial flux motor technology more affordable and available at scale, the project aims to accelerate the wider adoption of more efficient and lighter electric powertrains. This will benefit automotive, industrial, and other applications striving for electrification and sustainability.
Why is the UK government investing in this project?
The UK government’s investment reflects a strategic commitment to fostering advanced manufacturing, promoting innovation in EV engineering, and securing the nation’s position in the global electric vehicle supply chain. It supports economic growth and high-skilled job creation.