EMS celebrates 40 years of engineering innovation

07/08/2025 - UK leader in precision drive systems marks milestone with continued investment and leadership evolution

7th August 2025
Filed under: Ems, Faulhaber, Ems40

Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS), a leading UK-based distributor and manufacturer of precision drive solutions, is marking its 40th anniversary. Founded in Berkshire in 1985 by two employees, the company has since grown to 90 team members, has eight motor and actuation partners and is the sole UK and Ireland distributor of precision micromotor manufacturer, FAULHABER.

EMS has established itself as a leading supplier of high-quality precision small DC motors and linear actuators in the UK. Over the past four decades, the company has seen strong growth, reaching major milestones including the 1990 acquisition of HL Instruments in Poole, which established EMS’s in-house capabilities in gearbox manufacturing.

Over the years, EMS has also heavily invested in high-end CNC machinery, including a first-of-its-kind 5-axis auto mill in 2017.

In 2020, manufacturing moved to a 40,000 square feet headquarters in Holton Heath, Poole, marking a major milestone in EMS’s expansion. Housing 80 highly skilled workers, the site includes precision CNC gear cutting, multi-axis milling and turning, fixed and sliding lathes, 3D printing and in house design, testing and assembly. The company also has further warehousing and sales facilities located at a second site in Aldermaston, Berkshire offering greater flexibility and additional service coverage.

EMS has one of the most extensive ranges of miniature drive solutions available in the UK, comprising small DC brushed and brushless motors, stepper motors and linear actuators, together with precision gearheads, bearings and a range of advanced and remote handling systems. Its portfolio is aimed at high-demand applications such as the medical, aviation, automation, agricultural and building technologies sectors.

EMS has been the only distributor in the UK and Ireland for FAULHABER drive systems since day one and remains its sole distributer for the sales territory. Additional partners include global drive system manufacturers such as Bühler Motor, Kählig Antriebstechnik (KAG), Nidec Servo, Nidec Motors & Actuators, and Ewellix.

“Reaching 40 years is a proud achievement for everyone at EMS,” said Mike Davies, Managing Director. “Our growth is a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to quality and innovation. We look forward to continuing to serve the UK’s motion control needs with industry-leading solutions for many years to come.”

Team members marked the occasion with a company-wide celebration, during which the leadership team presented key milestones and successes from the past 40 years. In attendance were representatives from FAULHABER, showcasing the longstanding relationship between the two manufacturers.

To explore the complete FAULHABER range and discover how EMS can support your next precision drive project, contact our sales team today.