Stretford business to gain access to Bosch HQ in Germany

RedGray Engineering Ltd (RGE), a medical, specialist, and industrial gas installer based in Stretford, will join with seven other businesses in Greater Manchester for rare access to Bosch’s hydrogen HQ in Germany.

Delivered by GM Business Growth Hub, Green Economy, Bosch GmbH, and Manchester Metropolitan University, the challenge aims to tackle critical barriers to hydrogen adoption in the UK — from limited integrators and small-scale electrolyzer projects to high levelized costs and lack of large offtakers.

“Hydrogen presents a massive economic opportunity for Greater Manchester, and the wider UK. Supporting businesses to get in on the ground floor helps them to start innovating faster, and we’re really excited to be working with Bosch and Manchester Metropolitan University on this opportunity,” Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub.

The UK Government estimates that hydrogen presents a massive economic opportunity for the UK, unlocking over 12,000 jobs and up to £11 billion of investment*.

“Hydrogen is an important part of the energy transition and will require the collaboration of many partners along the supply chain from components to EPC to system operations. This initiative from Greater Manchester is an excellent idea and brings together a consortium of expertise and drive to make hydrogen an economic growth success for GM,” – Chris Lake, Bosch UK & IE

This initiative forms part of Greater Manchester’s strategy to become a global leader in hydrogen technology and to be carbon neutral by 2038.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is producing a refreshed Hydrogen Strategy for 2025-2030. Developed in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), the strategy aims to highlight the activities taking place in the city region and provide direction to businesses, investors, government, local authorities, and academic institutions.

“Greater Manchester is rapidly emerging as a leading hub for hydrogen, powered by innovative companies and our outstanding research strengths, so it’s great to see businesses from our city region given the opportunity to learn from a massive global company like Bosch. Hydrogen is one of the focus areas of our growing relationship with Germany, and we look forward to seeing these businesses take this relationship forward while creating good growth, new jobs, and opportunities for our residents,” Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The businesses were chosen by a panel from Manchester Metropolitan’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, GM Business Growth Hub, and Bosch GmbH.

“Hydrogen represents a transformative force for clean energy — and through our partnership, we’re empowering local SMEs to tap into this opportunity.

“By combining academic research, industry innovation, and practical support, we’re helping build a regional supply chain that will not only drive net-zero ambitions but also secure Greater Manchester’s role as a global hydrogen hub,” – Amer Gaffar, Director of Industrial Strategy Partnerships, Manchester Metropolitan University.

Beside RedGray Engineering Ltd (RGE), other businesses selected are –

• Op-tec Systems – industrial automation specialists based in Stockport.
• Industrial Switchgear Services Limited – high and low voltage power engineering contractor & manufacturer based in Hyde. 
• KANE INTERNATIONAL – Manufacturer of portable flue gas & engine exhaust analysers based in Atherton. 
• PACKAGED HEAT LIMITED – Manufacturer of Plate Heat Exchangers based in Ashton-under-Lyne. 
• Endress+Hauser Ltd – Process and laboratory instrumentation and automation supplier based in Wythenshawe.  
• Oldham Engineering Ltd – Project management and manufacturing company based in Oldham. 
• Salt Separation Services Ltd – design and manufacture of Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment systems based in Rochdale. 

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*Major boost for hydrogen as UK unlocks new investment and jobs – GOV.UK