A NEW boss has been appointed at one of Powys' best-known manufacturing businesses.

Adrian Ellam has taken over as chief executive officer at Welshpool-based Invertek Drives.

Currently the company's finance and operations director, his move within the variable speed drives manufacturer is intended to strengthen the company's management team and ensure continuity in its next phase of growth.

The appointment comes as Invertek celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023, having reported a 45 per cent year-on-year sales growth in 2022, with a total turnover of £79.3 million.

Mr Ellam has been with Invertek since 2010 and has worked closely with the existing directors, including three of the founding members of the business. He takes over from Shaun Dean, who has been in position since Invertek was taken over by Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd in 2019, and who is senior vice president of the Japanese parent company.

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Mr Dean will continue as chairman of Invertek alongside his existing roles.

"I'm delighted that Adrian has accepted the position of CEO as part of our continued investment and growth plans," Mr Dean said. 

"Our management team is robust, with two of the original founders still actively involved. Their combined experience, cohesion and expertise are invaluable to Invertek Drives."

He added: "Invertek is a strong brand in the drives and controls sector and a significant employer in Mid Wales. We are proud to have acquired Invertek as part of the Power, Transmission, and Controls Group at Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. We anticipate exciting times ahead as we significantly expand our business globally."

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Mr Ellam, who will retain his responsibilities for finance and operations, said: "I am honoured to take on the position of CEO at Invertek during this exciting phase of the company's growth, ensuring we continue the long standing internal spirit and business dynamics.

“We are at a pivotal point in our long-term strategy, with the ongoing expansion of our global manufacturing and distribution facility, enabling us to increase production to 1.2 million units per year.”

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He added: “We have a great and loyal team at Invertek which is one reason why we’ve been so successful. As we enter the next growth phase, we will be increasing recruitment in all areas of the business to support increased production, innovation, and sales.”

Plans are underway to begin construction of a £6.3 million headquarters and innovation centre in Welshpool in 2024.

The company currently employs 380 people and has sales and service partners in 80 countries throughout the world.