Welsh start-up Invertek expands, adding up to 30 jobs

Invertek, the Welsh drives-maker formed three years ago by former Control Techniques personnel, is expanding its production facilities and creating up to 30 new jobs to keep pace with the growing demand for its inverters.

"Things have really taken off in the past six months," reports Invertek director, Charles Haspel. He attributes the recent success to the fact that customers now have confidence in the young company and its products.

Another important factor has been Invertek`s increasing emphasis on exports. About 80% of its sales are now outside the UK in countries including Switzerland, Australia, Italy and South Africa.

Haspel says that "several million" pounds is being invested in the expansion programme. An extra 500m² of production space will be available by February and Haspel expects to produce around 15,000 drives this year. At present, Invertek employs 15 people.

About half of Invertek`s sales are under its own name - "we`re getting recognised as the purple drive," Haspel reports - and half is through badging deals with partners including FKI and Focus Dynamics.

Sir David Rowe-Beddoe, chairman of the Welsh Development Agency, who visited Invertek recently, described Invertek`s expansion plans as "very welcome news". The WDA has supported Invertek through grants and awards.