Isembard, a UK-based manufacturing technology company building a network of digitally connected, franchise-operated precision engineering factories, has appointed Pip McKenzie as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to lead its next phase of growth. The appointment comes as Isembard scales its manufacturing franchise model across the UK, Europe and the US, connecting local factory operators to industrial customers through its technology platform.
McKenzie joins Isembard with extensive experience in international franchising, having held senior roles with McDonald’s, KFC, Yum! Brands and Gong Cha. At Gong Cha, she helped deliver growth through master franchise agreements across 21 new countries and three US states.
In her new role, McKenzie will lead Isembard’s commercial and franchise expansion across the UK, Europe and North America as the company scales its unconventional manufacturing franchise model.
Unlike traditional franchise businesses, Isembard enables franchisees to own and operate advanced manufacturing facilities. The company provides access to customers, technology, training and operational support, while its proprietary MasonOS platform manages key functions including quoting, scheduling, production, supply chain and quality control.
The model is designed to connect independently operated factories into a larger manufacturing network, giving franchise owners access to industrial demand while allowing Isembard to maintain consistent technology and operating standards.
Isembard has been expanding rapidly in 2026, growing its network from four factories at the beginning of the year to 16 across the UK, Europe and the US, alongside the addition of 10 franchise operators.
The company is targeting 100 owned and franchisee factories across the UK by the end of 2028, with the expansion expected to create around 2,200 high-skilled jobs.
The growth follows Isembard’s $50 million Series A funding round, announced in March 2026 and led by Union Square Ventures. The funding is supporting the company’s factory rollout and international expansion.
Isembard has also opened a 160,000-square-foot factory and global headquarters in Southwark, London, strengthening its manufacturing capacity for customers in sectors including aerospace, defence, energy and robotics.
The company’s franchise proposition allows operators to establish new Isembard factories or convert existing machine shops into part of its network. Franchisees can access Isembard’s technology and operating systems while retaining ownership of their individual manufacturing businesses.
McKenzie’s appointment comes as Isembard moves from developing its manufacturing franchise concept to scaling it across multiple markets. Her experience in international franchise development is expected to support the company as it builds a larger network of franchise-operated factories.
