Goodfellow, one of the UK’s top suppliers of advanced materials and metals, has completed a major step in its digital transformation by adopting a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
The company has successfully integrated Microsoft Dynamics 365 into its global operations. This move will help streamline processes, improve efficiency, and support faster product launches. Goodfellow supplies more than 170,000 products to customers in over 30 countries and is now better equipped to meet growing demand.
The new ERP system works alongside the firm’s advanced e-commerce platform and a recently improved customer relationship management (CRM) system. Together, these tools are expected to enhance customer service and help Goodfellow expand its operations — especially as it continues acquiring other businesses. Over the past year, the company has purchased U.S.-based Potomac Photonics, Suisse TP in Switzerland, and the UK’s Bureau of Analysed Samples (BAS).
A Milestone Transformation
Simon Kenney, CEO of Goodfellow, described the upgrade as the company’s biggest transformation project in decades.
“This is the biggest transformation project we have completed as a business this century — that is the scale of what the team has achieved,” Kenney said. “We now have an ERP system that gives us real-time access to every part of our operation. Cash used to be king, but now data is taking its place. It allows us to make faster, smarter decisions in purchasing, manufacturing, and sales — all to better serve our customers.”
Managing a Complex Product Range
Kenney also praised the team’s effort in managing the complex migration process.
“There aren’t many companies that supply 170,000 different products. Moving all of that to Microsoft Dynamics was a massive task,” he said. “Our IT and sales teams handled it brilliantly. The new system will help us introduce new product ranges more quickly. We’re already preparing to launch two new lines in the coming months.”
Goodfellow, which received investment from Battery Ventures in 2021, supplies a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, and composites. It is a trusted partner for companies in research and development, advanced engineering, space, and science sectors. The company operates from its headquarters in Cambridge and has subsidiaries across Europe, North America, and China.
Expanding Capabilities
In addition to supplying raw materials, Goodfellow offers post-processing services such as rolling, electroplating, sputtering, heat treatment, and precision cutting. The recent acquisitions of Suisse TP and BAS have expanded its capabilities to include advanced laboratories, testing services, and certified reference material (CRM) production.
Chief Technology Officer Richard Wilson said the technology upgrades are key to the company’s global growth plans.
“We are at an exciting stage of development, with both organic growth and acquisitions in progress,” Wilson said. “To support this, we need a solid technology platform. With Microsoft Dynamics 365, Adobe Commerce, and Salesforce, we now have the tools we need to scale globally.”
Looking Ahead
Wilson added that the team’s efforts in rolling out the new systems have laid the groundwork for future success.
“I’m proud of what the team has achieved,” he said. “With these technologies in place, we’re ready to take advantage of new innovations. Whether it’s using artificial intelligence to improve product recommendations or using data to manage stock more efficiently, Goodfellow is ready for a digital future.”
