In 1985, Greycon was founded with a simple, bold vision: to revolutionise the way manufacturing industries optimise their operations. Forty years later, that vision has evolved into a global reality.

With a footprint that crosses continents and clients in the paper, cartonboard, plastic film, flexible packaging, labelling, nonwoven, and metals industries, Greycon has remained a pioneer in supply chain planning, production scheduling, and trim optimisation.

Today, we commemorate not only a milestone in terms of years but also the legacy of innovation and dedication to excellence that continues to influence the manufacturing world.

The Early Years: Laying the Foundations

Greycon’s story began in London when a small team of mathematicians and engineers, Constantine Goulimis, Alex Dimitriadis and Prof. Greyham Bryant, recognised the unexplored potential of optimisation algorithms in manufacturing.

In the mid-80s, industry challenges like waste reduction and production efficiency had very few intelligent digital solutions. A few years later, the first developed trim optimisation and scheduling tools were created, DeckleBench and S-Plan, transforming complex cutting operations into smart, streamlined processes. This was the first fully window-based software developed by Greycon.

These early innovations helped establish Greycon as the go-to solution for manufacturers seeking measurable improvements. The company’s focus on deep industry understanding and close collaboration with clients set the tone for what would become its long-term success.

Global Expansion

The 1990s and 2000s were a period of rapid development. By 1997, over 6 million tonnes per annum were scheduled by Greycon in the paper industry. Technologies advanced, and by 2003, the launch of Greycon’s X-Trim solution redefined how companies approached trim optimisation, and soon after, opt-Studio was introduced, offering advanced scheduling capabilities that aligned production with real-world constraints. As demand grew, so did Greycon’s global presence. In 1999, new offices were established in North America, allowing the team to work closely with clients in Latin America. This expansion also brought in diverse talent, enabling the company to continuously innovate across cultures and markets. Since 2012, Greycon has opened new operations in China, Latin America, and Greece.

Collaborations with major players in the industry, including partnerships with SAP and integration with leading ERP systems, positioned Greycon not only as a solutions provider but as a trusted technology partner.

Over the decades, Greycon achieved several key milestones:

• ✔ Greycon began to expand its software portfolio, creating its first Manufacturing Execution System (MES), GreyconMill®.
• ✔ In 2015, Greycon implemented its 500th site. Its solutions have been deployed in over 40 countries, supporting more than 500 manufacturing sites globally.
• ✔ In 2018, Greycon were awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade category, while also winning Specialist Applications Category in Megabyte’s annual Emerging Stars Awards.
• ✔ That same year, 2018, Vesta Software Group acquired Greycon. Vesta is part of Jonas Software, an operating group of Constellation Software, Inc.
• ✔ Continued R&D investment led to the adoption of cloud technologies, ML enhancements, and seamless integration into Industry 4.0 frameworks.
• ✔ Greycon entered the machine learning field using statistical techniques to give the software the ability to “learn” from data collected.
• ✔ In 2020, Greycon introduced the opt-Studio mobile app, setting the entry into new mobile applications development. This was followed by the GreyconMill mobile application months after, which makes shopfloor tasks easier than ever.
• ✔ In 2021, Greycon expanded to Germany with the acquisition of sister company WM Data.
• ✔ By 2023, Greycon’s expanding customer base will grow to 45 countries worldwide!
• ✔ In 2024, Greycon launched GreyconWeb, marking the entrance into web and cloud technologies.

But perhaps most importantly, Greycon earned long-term loyalty from its clients, many of whom have been with the company for decades, demonstrating the deep trust placed not only in its technology but also in the people who stand behind it.

The Greycon Culture.

While technology has always been central to Greycon’s success, it’s the people who make it truly exceptional. The company has fostered a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually curious environment where innovation thrives. Many team members have been with Greycon for over 10 or 20 years, and more, creating a culture built on continuity, shared expertise, and mutual respect.

Engineers, consultants, and support teams work hand-in-hand with customers to solve real problems, often going beyond standard implementations to deliver high-impact solutions that are tailored for their specific needs.

In 2025, Greycon welcomed a new Managing Director, Richard Brotherton, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our story. This leadership transition builds on the strong foundation laid by our previous Managing Director, Abder Guezour, who was defined by hard work, solid dedication, and a legacy of growth and success. Their vision helped lead Greycon through transformative years, and their contributions continue to inspire the way forward. With fresh energy at the helm, we remain committed to innovation, excellence, and delivering value to our clients worldwide.

Looking Ahead: The Next 40 Years

As we celebrate four decades of success, we remain firmly focused on the future. Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of Greycon’s mission. By continuing to reduce waste, optimise resources, and enable smarter manufacturing, Greycon is helping clients meet both their environmental and operational goals.

The journey continues, and we’re just getting started.

To all our clients, partners, and team members, past and present, thank you! Your trust, collaboration, and shared vision have made these 40 years extraordinary. Here’s to celebrating the milestones, cherishing the memories, and building a smarter manufacturing future together.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Greycon!