Welshpool hosted a visit from the UK Foreign Secretary and the Japanese Ambassador as they toured a local manufacturer as it marked its 25th year in business.

The visit saw Japanese Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Mr Hajime Hayashi, and the UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly MP celebrate the 25th anniversary of Invertek Drives Ltd.

The commemorative event took place at the company's global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Welshpool and featured the official opening of a state-of-the-art variable frequency drive (VFD) global Application and Training Centre.

County Times:

Mr Cleverly said: “Celebrating 25 years of Invertek Drives in Mid Wales is a brilliant example of the long-term, ever-growing partnership between the UK and Japan.

"Invertek Drives’ dedication to energy efficiency aligns perfectly with our shared global goals.

"It is fantastic to see such a positive impact being made both internationally through their leadership on green innovation, but also here in Wales by growing the local economy and creating jobs.”

The occasion brought together guests from around the world, including representatives from Invertek Drives, its Japanese parent company, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd (SHI), sales partners, suppliers, and local MP, Craig Williams.

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    • The newly opened Centre, a result of £30 million investment by SHI since its acquisition of Invertek in 2019, further cements the company's commitment to innovation and excellence at its base in Powys.

    Invertek is known for its expertise in designing and manufacturing its Optidrive VFDs, which regulate the speed of electric motors.

    By consistently advancing VFD technology, the company plays a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption in motor-controlled applications in industries around the world. This helps reduce carbon emissions in motor-controlled applications and creates greater efficiency in the processes.

    County Times:

    Ambassador Mr Hajime Hayashi, who inaugurated the new Application and Training Centre, said: "The success of Invertek Drives is as an excellent example for other Japanese companies in Wales, and the UK as a whole, to admire and take inspiration from. I highly commend their contribution to building a greener and more sustainable environment and our better future.”

    Shaun Dean, Senior Vice President of SHI, CEO of Invertek Drives, and CEO of PTC EMEIA, emphasized the significant progress made since the acquisition and said: "The investments made by SHI have propelled Invertek Drives to new heights in research and development, infrastructure, and talent acquisition.

    Craig Williams, MP for Montgomeryshire, acknowledged the company's achievements and added: "We are incredibly proud to have Invertek Drives based in Mid Wales, they remain at the forefront of revolutionising motor control technology, setting new energy efficiency and sustainability standards.”