20TH ANNIVERSARY 2ND OF DECEMBER

Celebrating 20 Years of Engineering Excellence: HDL’s Journey from 2005-2025

On the 2nd of December 2025, Hollingworth Design Ltd celebrates its 20th Anniversary, two decades of innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to solving engineering challenges across the UK and beyond. What began as a one-man design consultancy in 2005 has evolved into a thriving 12,000 sq. ft engineering hub in Stockport, home to more than 40 employees and a portfolio that spans compressed air and vacuum systems, CNC machining, hydrogen consultancy, mechanical and electrical design, software development, and full process engineering.

The HDL story began with founder and Managing Director Paul Hollingworth, who, after recovering from cancer, took the bold step of leaving full-time employment to start a design consultancy from his home. An increase in prototype machining requirements soon followed, first with two small machines in Paul’s shed, then with a move into a 4,000 sq. ft facility in Denton, and eventually to today’s headquarters in Stockport.

 

Kris’s Hyde General Manager Says:

 “Over 20 years, HDL has evolved in capability and competency to the point where we are now a leading engineering SME in North West, with equipment installed around the world. Going forward, we are excited about applying our skills to new sectors and customers.”

Today, HDL handles an impressive range of engineering projects, and our sub-contract machining capability has become a core strength that supports customers across multiple industries. The company’s investment in world-class machining technology, including two INDEX G200.2 turn-mill centres with robotic automation, has positioned HDL as a leader in high-precision manufacturing for aerospace and advanced engineering sectors.

Behind every upgrade, innovation, and customer success story is the human side of HDL, a team committed not just to engineering excellence, but to looking after one another.

From long-serving engineers to newly trained apprentices, team members consistently describe HDL as supportive, ambitious, and people-first.

Tom Farnworth Production Manager Says:

 “In my 15 years with the company, we have expanded from a four-person operation to a team of over forty experts with diverse skill sets. This growth in numbers has been matched by a significant expansion in our capabilities and services, driven by continuous investment in cutting-edge machinery and equipment. This investment ensures that our customers consistently receive the best quality, value, and service.”

This supportive culture extends to customers as well. Whether designing a bespoke compressed air system, machining a batch of 72,000 high-spec components, or providing hydrogen consultancy for future energy systems, HDL’s goal remains the same: deliver solutions that are engineered thoughtfully, efficiently, and with total customer confidence.

20 Years Behind Us –  and a Bright Future Ahead

As HDL marks this milestone, the focus is firmly on the future. The company continues to invest heavily in automation, robotics, new CNC machinery, and smarter manufacturing technologies that enable 24/7 production, faster lead times, and even greater precision.

From the FANUC 200iD robotic integration to expanded machining capacity and advanced design capabilities, HDL is preparing for the next decade with ambition and clarity.

HDL’s strategy is simple:
invest in people, invest in technology, and keep solving the engineering problems that others say cannot be solved.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we want to thank every employee, customer, supplier, and partner who has been part of the journey. HDL’s success is built on collaboration, trust, and a shared belief in engineering done properly.

Here’s to the next 20 years. Smarter, greener, more precise, and more ambitious than ever.