Tech firm cuts ribbon on new US base

3D content, data visualisation and alternative reality specialist Bloc Digital has opened its first overseas base in the US.

The firm, which is headquartered in Derby, has opened its North American office in Mentor, Ohio.

It comes as the business continues to experience strong organic growth in the US, securing new large industrial clients and exchanging knowledge with NASA’s Graphics Visualisation team.

The official opening was attended by local city leaders, state universities, regional businesses and members of the British-American Chamber of Commerce and Ohio Aerospace Institute.

Keith Cox, co-founder and joint chief executive of Bloc Digital Inc, said:  “It’s great to fully realise our vision of establishing Bloc Digital in the US.

“We’ve been working towards this moment for a few years, fuelled by our North American clients’ ambitions to further their collaborations with us.

Bloc Digital, which won the award for Excellence in International Trade at the most recent Derbyshire Business Awards, organised by East Midlands Chamber, specialises in providing a full life cycle of marketing, training and Industry 4.0 solutions.

It has a global portfolio of engineering and manufacturing clients including Rolls-Royce.

Keith said: “Our combination of creative design, multi-media and technology skills, as well as industrial knowledge and ability to deliver high-quality results at competitive costs, has proven to be highly unique and sought-after.”

Chris Hotham, co-founder and joint chief executive of Bloc Digital Inc, said: “Ohio reflects our roots in the industrial city of Derby and is a perfect fit for our North American growth.

“With our office now officially open, we’ve been working hard to establish and strengthen relationships with new and current clients from every stage of the manufacturing process – enabling them to operate more efficiently and engage more customers.

“I’m looking forward to the further opportunities the region will bring.”

Kenneth J. Filipiak, Mentor city manager, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Bloc Digital to our city.

“As a proven, global provider of world-class animated marketing and multi-reality applications for industry solutions, they will not only add diversity and strength to our local economy but will enhance the competitiveness of the region across multiple sectors.

“We expect them to see explosive growth in the American market.”