Manufacturing Innovation in the UK with Martin Jewell
Manufacturing innovation isn’t just about new technology. It is about building the right culture, taking risks, and creating products that solve real problems.
In this episode, Martin Jewell, CTO of Rapid Fusion, shares how his journey from the military to construction and then into advanced manufacturing shaped the way he thinks about leadership, problem solving, and innovation.
From navigating toxic environments to building Rapid Fusion’s cutting-edge Medusa system, Martin’s story highlights why adaptability, vision, and listening are the true drivers of manufacturing innovation.
Our highlights from the conversation:
★ Innovation starts with people, not ideas
Martin believes hiring the right people is more important than having the right business idea. Without a motivated and skilled team, even the brightest ideas remain just that, ideas.
★ Startups can move faster than giants
With only six people, Martin and his team built a fully functioning machine in just 18 months. He contrasts this agility with large OEMs, where projects often stall in endless decision making.
★ Culture defines success
Toxic environments slow everything down “like running through syrup.” For Martin, creating a culture of trust, shared vision, and no blame problem solving is just as vital to innovation as technology itself.
★ Medusa: designed by industry, for industry
Instead of pushing a product to market, Martin and his team worked with end users like Rolls Royce and GKN Aerospace to co design a system that solves real pain points: speed, reliability, and cost.
★ The future of manufacturing innovation is modular
Medusa’s hybrid and modular design means companies do not have to throw out expensive equipment every time technology moves forward. Instead, they can upgrade and adapt, saving costs, reducing waste, and building stronger partnerships.
🎧 Tune In
If you want to understand how manufacturing innovation happens on the ground, not just in theory, this episode with Martin Jewell offers practical lessons on leadership, technology, and building the future of UK manufacturing.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube. And if you enjoy it, follow the show for more episodes with people redefining careers in manufacturing.
