Contractors have completed their site set-up in readiness for the construction of a new 2,771sq metre extension to Invertek Drives global manufacturing and distribution facility at Welshpool, Powys, UK.
The work, undertaken by Read Construction of Wrexham, is undertaking initial groundworks and laying new drainage.
This will allow the main construction work to begin extending the existing 5,500sq metre facility as part of a wider £10 million investment at the site, including a new Application and Training Centre.
"The current focus of the work is laying new drainage. Once the drainage is in place, it will enable the start of the main construction phase, involving the construction of new foundations and steelwork. This phase is essential for extending the manufacturing and warehouse facilities at HQ," said a spokesperson for Invertek Drives.
"With the groundwork and drainage underway, the project is moving forward, and the construction phase is set to begin soon. It's exciting to see the progress being made, and it signifies that the expansion project is on track."
The extension will allow Invertek to increase production of its Optidrive VFD products from 460,000 units a year to more than 1.2 million. It is also creating new career opportunities at its headquarters where it employs more than 360 people.
The existing manufacturing facility was only completed in 2019. The extra space needed demonstrates the significant growth of the business over the past few years and the investment by its parent company, Sumitomo Heavy Industries.
Earlier this year, Invertek announced an anticipated investment of at least £6.3m in a new Innovation Centre close to the site.
The planned centre will provide state-of-the-art research and development facilities for the design of next-generation electric motor control VFDs.
Shaun Dean, CEO of Invertek Drives Ltd, as well as Senior Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries and CEO of PTC EMEIA HQ, said: “It’s great to see work beginning on this latest phase in Invertek’s growth. Sumitomo Heavy Industries is investing significantly in the business at Welshpool where we are also increasing skilled employment and career opportunities.
“We have seen exceptional growth over the past three years. The new facility will allow us to increase production to match future expectations and is a commitment by SHI and Invertek to our long-term future in the area.”
The company is currently undertaking a recruitment drive for a range of careers ranging from graduate placements to production and electrical engineering.
More details can be found at www.invertekdrives.com.
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