Cornwall-based water technology specialists Eliquo Hydrok have unveiled a major new engineering innovation at their Indian Queens headquarters, following investment through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The company has installed one of Europe’s most advanced automated robotic welding cells, enabling it to significantly increase production capacity, improve efficiency and enhance safety, supporting the manufacture of technologies that help improve water quality of rivers and seas.

The investment has already contributed to the creation of new jobs across engineering, production and support roles, alongside new training opportunities to upskill existing staff in advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.

To mark the launch, Eliquo Hydrok hosted a “Robotic Welding Cell and Talent Development Workshop”, at their Manufacturing Centre of Excellence bringing together partners from industry and skills to see the technology in action and to explore how Cornwall can build the specialist workforce needed for the water sector’s future.

The new welding system is purpose designed for largescale water treatment tanks, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver essential infrastructure that removes pollutants from wastewater and reduces storm overflow impacts. This comes at a critical moment ahead of AMP8 (2025–2030), when demand for tertiary filtration and stormwater treatment products is expected to grow substantially.

At the centre of the upgrade is a pioneering telescopic Z Stroke Welding system, which is the first of its kind in Europe. This innovative design removes the need for deep pits traditionally used to rotate heavy tanks, allowing welding to be carried out safely at full height within the existing factory footprint. Paired with an intelligent 2D weld seam tracking system, the configuration adapts in real time to variations in materials and surface conditions, ensuring highly accurate, consistent welds.

“The significant investment in robotic welding is a demonstration of our commitment to our customers towards delivering the improvements needed in water quality during AMP8 and positions us as not only a Centre of Excellence for welding in the South West but within the UK” - Matt Down, Managing Director at Eliquo Hydrok

“As Eliquo Hydrok moves towards its 30th year, we continue to adapt to the needs of the industry by investing in cutting-edge technology, alongside training and upskilling our team. We are grateful to the Shared Prosperity Fund for investing alongside us to support economic growth in Cornwall” - Peter Wroe, Managing Director and CFO, Eliquo Hydrok

Councillor Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Economic Regeneration & Investment, said: “Eliquo Hydrok’s new robotic welding cell is a great example of how Good Growth Shared Prosperity Fund investment is helping local businesses expand, adopt cutting edge technology and create high quality jobs. It’s also encouraging to see a local business focused on delivering real solutions that improve the water quality of our rivers and seas.”

Learn more about the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund

UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme  
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have been allocated £186 million for local investment until March 2026. This is through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural Prosperity Fund. With a focus on green and inclusive growth, we’ll use our portion to achieve Good Growth for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, providing opportunities for communities and businesses and giving residents access to new jobs and training.
The Good Growth Programme is managed by Cornwall Council, and all funding decisions are taken locally by the Economic Prosperity Board which is made up of elected members from Cornwall Council and the Council of the isles of Scilly. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as the lead authority for the fund which is being invested in accordance with the Good Growth SPF Investment Plan. The three investment priorities are community and place, support for local businesses, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com