About the Business
Devtank is a South Derbyshire-based company located in Mickleover, founded in 2014 by cousins Tim Telford and Joe Burmeister. Drawing on their extensive industrial experience including aerospace and nuclear sectors, the duo established Devtank with a vision to innovate and drive efficiency in manufacturing. The business employs a team of 11 and continues to grow as a leader in monitoring and test technology.
Devtank operates across two key areas:
The Two Key Areas
OpenSmartMonitor
Devtank manufactures award-winning smart monitoring devices capable of tracking energy, temperature, humidity, air quality, sound, light, vibration, and dust. These devices can integrate with smart meters, allowing businesses to monitor consumption and carbon emissions in real time.
Data from these devices is displayed on customised dashboards, helping businesses pinpoint waste, inefficiencies, and problem areas. Identifying these “pinch points” often leads to straightforward, impactful solutions such as energy reduction, water leak detection, or equipment relocation. Businesses leveraging Devtank’s monitoring solutions have reported significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings.
HILTOP Test & Measurement Platform
Devtank also provides a range of production test solutions for PCBs and products such as EV chargers through their award-winning HILTOP platform. Their open-source approach ensures compatibility with clients’ existing equipment while avoiding vendor lock-in, giving businesses flexibility and control over their own systems.
Challenges Faced
A key challenge for Devtank is overcoming the perception that energy and efficiency improvements require large-scale investments or major overhauls. Devtank aims to demonstrate that even simple changes, informed by data from their monitoring systems, can deliver substantial benefits, such as reducing energy consumption, identifying hidden inefficiencies, and improving productivity.
Many businesses, particularly SMEs with older facilities, remain unaware of how accessible and impactful such technologies can be.
The solution and Impact
Devtank has actively engaged with EMMN, attending forums and meetings to connect with like-minded manufacturers. In June 2024, Tim Telford presented at the Derby EMMN meeting, sharing case studies on how OpenSmartMonitor has improved business efficiency through initiatives like the Lighthouse Project.
Through this project, Devtank secured funding from the Made Smarter Smart Manufacturing Data Hub to produce 500 sensors for SMEs. These sensors, offered to businesses for free alongside six months of complimentary dashboard data, have enabled manufacturers to benchmark their performance and identify efficiency opportunities. The anonymous data is also helping to establish industry-wide benchmarks.
As an EMMN member, Devtank has deployed monitoring solutions with fellow members, including Luke Evans Bakery, Doorcerts, and Midland Lead. These collaborations have not only strengthened business relationships but also demonstrated tangible results in energy savings and cost reductions, contributing to greener manufacturing practices.
Devtank Ltd has also announced a new partnership as a corporate sponsor for EMMN member AquaBox, a Wirksworth-based charity, dedicated to providing life-saving clean water and aid to communities in need around the globe.
As part of this collaboration, Devtank’s OpenSmartMonitor brand will transition to a monthly subscription model in 2025, with a portion of profits from each solution sold being donated to AquaBox each month.
Tim Telford, CEO of Devtank Ltd, said: “At Devtank, we’re committed to sustainable and ethical manufacturing. By designing our products with open-source principles, we empower users with freedom and flexibility while minimizing e-waste. Supporting Aquabox aligns perfectly with our mission to make the world a better place. Helping people is at the heart of what we do.”
Showcasing Success
and Building Connections through East Midlands Chamber
Devtank has leveraged its Chamber membership to help showcase its expertise and achievements, including exhibiting at The Midlands Energy Summit, where the company highlighted its innovative solutions. Devtank directors and employees have also attended various Chamber events and training workshops, helping to broaden their networks and upskill the team.
As a 2024 Derbyshire Business Awards finalist in two categories for Business Improvement in Technology and Environmental Impact, Devtank has gained additional recognition across the region. Devtank was also featured in Business Network Magazine, showcasing its journey and success, to mark its 10-year anniversary celebrations. Engagement with Chamber Advisers and the Innovate Edge teams has also facilitated valuable business introductions, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
“Having a platform such as the East Midlands Manufacturing Network is a great way to find help as well as offer aid to other businesses. We have made valuable connections over the last couple of years, formed partnerships, and gained new customers as a result of our membership.”
Tim Telford
CEO