The Factory

An innovation space for making, digital manufacturing and product design in the heart of South Bristol. 

Develop, Create, Connect

Based at Filwood Green Business Park, KWMC The Factory supports a diverse community of creative practitioners, businesses and local residents to develop new skills, create and test new products and prototypes, and connect with others. 

We offer a range of facilities including laser and CNC cutting and product design and prototyping services. Our friendly team can support you with your making needs.

The Factory also offers a programme of memberships, creative training courses and volunteer opportunities, providing support and advice for those looking to develop these new skills into a career or business of their own.

Find out more about what’s happening at The Factory by following the links below – or choose from the options in the menu.

***Please note that The Factory is currently undergoing a major renovation, adding more kit, more space and more opportunities. Sign up to our E-newsletter to hear the latest on our re-opening plans (due Autumn 2021)
Some services will continue throughout this period, it is best to email us with any requests thefactory@kwmc.org.uk***

 What people say

“We loved working with The Factory on [our] Tinkering Space – the team were brilliant to work with from beginning to end, and have produced a really high quality, robust result that we and our visitors enjoy every day. “

(We the Curious, Bristol)

“[The technicians] and the team at KWMC:  The Factory were great to work with. […] We wanted to work with a social business and we had seen the quality of their work on other projects.  From start to finish the service we received was excellent – and the final product is a much admired part of our new building.”

(Ben Silvey, Director of YMCA Bristol)

“I was confident with computers at the start, but I’ve learnt so much more. I now have a good grounding to do more projects and I’ve worked out I can do self- led learning. I’ve spent a lot of time suppressing my creativity. But I learnt to explore my ideas and giving myself permission to do that.”

(Hannah, participant on the Making It course)

“Thanks so much for all the work your team have done in supporting me to make my plywood planters with CNC cutting. I really appreciate it, and if I didn’t have The Factory to get me started, I wouldn’t be at my current stage of scaling up to make larger batches.”

(Beck Prior, Design & Fabrication Artist, Priormade)

“I didn’t realise I could accomplish something so big with such a small amount of experience. In a perfect world I would become a freelance illustrator/designer. In September, I’m going back to college to start my journey towards this.”

(Alfie, participant on the Making It course)