Invertek Drives is set to expand its operations in Welshpool, Powys, after securing planning permission from Powys County Council for a new Innovation Centre and Global Headquarters

The facility will be located at Offa’s Dyke Business Park, next to the company’s global existing headquarters and manufacturing facility.

This flagship building demonstrates Invertek’s focus on innovation, technology, and its people. The new facility will create an additional 100 skilled jobs in Research and Development over a 10-year period, as well as providing training and long-term career opportunities for people in Mid Wales. The state-of-the-art building will provide modern research and development space for the design of its next-generation electric motor control drives VFD’s.

The building’s design has been carefully considered by architects Austin-Smith:Lord, from sloping roofs, to a central light core that brings daylight into workspaces. The design supports a positive working environment and meets the WELL Building Standard. Landscaping and careful design of the building’s edges will ensure the development complements the established business park.

With sustainability in mind, the building includes PV panels and planting along the exterior of the building to provide screening and encourage biodiversity across the site.

The site's location will provide a “positive gateway to Welshpool, Mid Wales, and Offa’s Dyke Business Park.” It sits within the Bro Hafren Growth Area, identified in Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, supporting growth and investment in the local area.

The building will offer modern office spaces, prototype development areas, small-scale production facilities, meeting rooms, staff facilities and a reception area.

Adrian Ellam, CEO of Invertek Drives, said: “This new facility represents an important investment in the future of Invertek Drives here in Welshpool and on a global scale. The variable frequency drive sector is highly competitive, and we recognise that our continued success relies on keeping pace with the latest technologies and meeting the expectations of our customers.

“This flagship building will allow us to create skilled employment opportunities, support the local economy and develop the next generation of variable frequency drives (VFDs) which will serve our clients globally. Alongside our commitment to advancing our facilities and products, as a business, we are proud to place a strong emphasis on reducing climate change through the delivery of energy-efficient technologies and our ongoing commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.”