Global variable frequency drive innovator and manufacturer, Invertek Drives, with global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Welshpool, Powys, has announced a significant investment in its Spanish subsidiary as part of an expansion into the country.
The investment in Invertek Drives Iberica SL, a wholly owned subsidiary, will enable the company to support the growth of the Spanish drives and electric motors sector.
It comes after Invertek Drives recorded significant global growth in 2020/2021 and parent company Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI) pledged to invest £10m in global headquarters and factory company’s manufacturing facility in Welshpool, UK, to increase production to 350,000 units. per year to 600,000.
Shaun Dean, CEO of Invertek Drives, and who is also Senior Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries and CEO of Power Transmission and Controls Group (EMEIA Business HQ), said the investment in its Spanish subsidiary was part of a continued expansion in the EMEIA region. .
“We have experienced significant sales growth over the past two years, which has brought us to record levels of production and sales. Overall, the Optidrive VFD range and the Invertek brand are synonymous with quality and durability, which has further strengthened our position in the drive market.
“Our operation in Spain has mirrored the growth of our operations globally. We are committed to supporting this in order to strengthen our position in the Spanish market. »
The Spanish operation handles sales, service and technical support for the Optidrive VFD range. It also provides technical and tailor-made solutions for customers. The investment will support business growth and recruitment.
Invertek Drives Iberica SL is headquartered in Barcelona. Carlos Salgado, Managing Director, said:
“For us, this is the start of a new stage that we approach with great enthusiasm, in which we continue to maintain the spirit of our origins that has led us to where we are today and where the customer is central to all of our drive solutions activities.
“Today, we can say that we are even more committed to our sustainable development objectives, which are based on respect for people, the planet and prosperity, thanks to our position as a major player in the training, and who are the engine of the group.
“This investment in our subsidiary will allow us to better exploit Invertek’s development opportunities in our territory, from a training and solutions perspective, and thus contribute to solving the problems of our customers and society.”
He added:
“Our R&D departments in the UK are constantly working on new training platforms that feed on actively listening to present and future demands of society, which we then turn into products and which allow us to differentiate ourselves through a best approach to the need.
“This is the key to our progress in our territory and in the world and with the investment and commitment that the group is making today, we will be able to reach our Spanish market more and better, which is great news for customers who are already traveling with us today and for those who will have the opportunity to do so shortly thanks to our best position from today.
In January, Invertek Drives announced a £10 million expansion to its manufacturing plant and a new application center at its global headquarters in the UK to significantly increase production over the next two years.
The application center will be used to introduce Invertek’s products to potential and existing customers and used for training sales, technical and service personnel.
Investments will also be made in its expanding innovation and research and development facilities. New R&D laboratories, including a dedicated engine room, a test and validation center have already been opened over the past two years.
The investment is being led by Invertek Drives’ parent company, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd (SHI), and is a further sign of its commitment to making Invertek a leader in the development and manufacture of drive technology at world-class variable frequency since 1998.
Invertek Drives was launched in Welshpool in 1998 and has grown year on year since. Its international headquarters, R&D and manufacturing facilities are located at Offa’s Dyke Business Park, Welshpool, UK, and employ over 260 people.
Globally, the company employs more than 280 people and has sales and service partners in more than 80 countries.
