Tharsus

In 1964, a small metal-bashing firm named Tharsus was established. For decades, it operated as a traditional manufacturing business. The company's trajectory dramatically changed in 1998 when Brian Palmer acquired the firm, which at the time had just 22 employees. Palmer initiated a transformation, moving the company away from simple metal fabrication and toward a new vision: designing and manufacturing complex, automated systems for other businesses. This strategic pivot established Tharsus as a key player in the UK's robotics and automation sector. A landmark partnership with online grocer Ocado solidified its reputation, as Tharsus became the manufacturer for thousands of the robots powering Ocado's automated warehouses. This focus on creating what the company calls "Strategic Machines" helped clients solve complex automation challenges and accelerate their product's journey to market. In early 2022, to steer the next phase of growth, Joni Rautavuori was appointed CEO, allowing Palmer to focus on strategy and innovation. After the conclusion of its major manufacturing contract with Ocado, Tharsus initiated a new strategic plan in 2022, focusing on diversifying its customer base. A significant development came in July 2024, when Tharsus launched a new spin-out company, VersaTile Automation, with an £8 million investment to commercialize an intelligent, AI-powered warehouse automation platform.