Fab Lab Cockermouth
Operates a digital fabrication workshop providing community access to 3D printing and prototyping tools to foster regional innovation.
- CEO / Founder
- Danny Frost
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- £200K
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Britain's Energy Coast (BEC)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Digital fabrication services including 3D printing (FDM/SLA), laser cutting, CNC routing, vinyl cutting, and electronics workbench access; technical training workshops and prototyping consultancy for SMEs.
Technological Advantage
Provides a low-barrier entry point for digital fabrication with a suite of tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics stations.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides open-access to professional prototyping equipment including 3D printers and CNC machines, enabling users to design and manufacture custom components locally.
How They Differentiate
Serves as the primary digital fabrication hub for the West Cumbria region, integrated into local economic development initiatives.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Young people, adults, businesses, engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs in West Cumbria.
Industry Verticals
Education; Engineering; Manufacturing
Competitors
Manchester Fab Lab; Belfast Fab Lab; Londonderry Fab Lab; Ironbridge Fab Lab
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Initially operated as a three-year funded project (2013–2016) supported by Britain's Energy Coast (BEC), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), and the Sir John Fisher Foundation; transitioned to a commercial model under the successor entity Design Code Ltd in late 2016.; Reported as being 'widely used' by local schools, residents, and businesses; specifically provided services to 'several schools' in the Cumbria area and commercial clients such as Smurfit Kappa Composites.; Focused on low-volume production and rapid prototyping; notable output included 3D-printed lid and base components for 'Yoomi' self-warming baby bottles to facilitate UK-based manufacturing.; October 2013; Project launch with funding from Britain's Energy Coast and nuclear industry partners.; January 2014; Official opening of the Cockermouth facility at Createc in Derwent Mills Commercial Park.; June 2016; Successfully enabled Smurfit Kappa to secure a manufacturing contract by providing low-cost 3D-printed prototypes, moving production from China to the UK.; October 2016; Closure of the original funded project and transition of operations to a new commercial entity, Design Code Ltd.; Primary focus was West Cumbria (Cockermouth and Egremont), specifically serving the local nuclear supply chain (Sellafield) and regional SMEs. Its competitive advantage was local proximity ('on the doorstep' of Cumbrian firms) compared to distant makerspaces such as MAKLAB (Dumfries, 48km) and The Making Rooms (Blackburn, 118km).
Major Milestones
Launched in January 2014 at Derwent Mills Commercial Park; established second site at West Lakes Academy in Egremont; successfully facilitated the reshoring of manufacturing components for Smurfit Kappa Composites from China to the UK.
Notable Customers
Smurfit Kappa Composites, West Lakes Academy