Synonymous with innovation and evolution, visionary digital technology company Ridley, now known as WillowDigital (Willow), is once again pushing the boundaries through the creation of a whole new category that’s changing the way in which we engage and interact with real estate and infrastructure assets.
Through a powerful amalgamation of digital engineers, architects and software engineers, along with an innovative software platform that reimagines the digital twin, Willow is modernising and transforming the built world like never before.
CEO and Co-founder, Joshua Ridley, said the company’s forward-thinking mindset, combined with their real world understanding of buildings and infrastructure networks, has been applied to create a ground-breaking piece of software, WillowTwin™, along with an expanded service offering that transforms experiences for owners, occupants and customers.
“Our mission is to not only empower our customers, but to empower every person and organisation by offering them a whole new way in which to connect with the built world. Together with our employees, customers, partners and communities, we are continually evolving and striving to make the world more sustainable, connected, intuitive and innovative,” Joshua said.
Joshua said the name change signifies a new chapter for the business.
“We are excited about what lies ahead – for our company as well as the industry. We are on the cusp of a significant transformation of the built environment. Together with our customers, we want to make sure we are not left behind in the race to Industry 4.0. Instead, we want to be a part of it, and possibly even lead it,” Joshua said.
The market response to the Willow solution has been phenomenal and bolstered through the significant partnerships the company has formed with world-renowned companies such as Microsoft.
Microsoft Partner and Group Program Manager for Azure IoT, Bert Van Hoof, said: “Microsoft is very excited about the digital transformation potential for the category. Building on Microsoft Azure and Azure IoT, Willow continues to demonstrate industry thought leadership through its vision and an impressive peerless network of customers with iconic projects.”
Willow has also partnered with Europe’s leading rail maintenance organisation, Strukton Rail, to form Willow Rail. By combining Willow’s innovative technology with Strukton Rail’s deep industry experience, they have created a world-first digital technology solution – a digital twin for rail – that improves the performance, uptime and management of rail networks.
Over the past five years, Willow and Investa Property Group have innovated in multiple areas of the building and development process.
Group Executive and Head of Commercial at Investa, Mark Tait, said: “Having someone as a partner, a true partner that you can share and test ideas with, has been beneficial in Investa’s journey with Willow.”
Other visionary companies, including AXA, CPB Contractors, Dexus, Durst Organisation, Macquarie, Pittsburgh International Airport, thyssenkrupp Elevator, and Transport for NSW have also engaged Willow to better manage their assets, and they are quickly recognising the value of creating relationships between people, places and devices.
To meet the worldwide demand, nine international Willow offices have been opened, including offices in London, Seattle, Utrecht, and New York. In the US alone, revenue has increased by more than 700 per cent in the past 12 months, with global staff growing by 173 per cent in the same period.
