Drives company's international trade success recognised.

Invertek Drives Ltd has been awarded with The King's Award for Enterprise* - International Trade 2025, recognising continuous growth in overseas sales.

This designer and manufacturer, part of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd, has demonstrated remarkable international growth. Exports now represent 95 per cent of total sales, reinforcing its position as a leading innovator in energy efficient motor control solutions. The company has doubled in size to 420 employees since 2018 at its headquarters in Welshpool (GB).

The award acknowledges Invertek's impressive 149% growth over a six year period - achieved despite global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, BREXIT, and electronics supply chain disruptions.

Shaun Dean, Chairman of Invertek Drives, Executive Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, and Managing Director of SHI (Europe), added: "This King's Award demonstrates how Invertek has successfully expanded its global footprint while maintaining the technical excellence and innovation that have always been its hallmarks.

“The impressive international growth is a testament to the strategic alignment between Invertek's capabilities and the increasing global demand for energy efficient solutions. As part of the Sumitomo Heavy Industries group, Invertek continues to strengthen our collective position in key markets worldwide, since its acquisition in 2019. The ability to utilise UK based talent on a global platform is a key driver of our success."

Adrian Ellam, CEO of Invertek Drives (pictured right), said: "This prestigious recognition validates our international business strategy and commitment to creating innovative, energy efficient solutions for global markets. Our VFDs play a crucial role in helping industries worldwide reduce energy consumption, optimise processes, and minimise environmental impact – all increasingly important as businesses focus on sustainability and operational efficiency."

Invertek has developed a multifaceted international trade strategy combining a global network of sales partners with strategic wholly-owned subsidiaries in key markets including the USA, Spain, Germany, and Poland. This approach has enabled the company to effectively penetrate diverse markets and establish strong footholds in various regions.

Demonstrating operational resilience, Invertek strategically stocked critical components before Brexit and the pandemic, enabling uninterrupted manufacturing capabilities when competitors faced production challenges due to supplier issues. This foresight allowed the company to fulfil record global orders and strengthen its international market presence even during industry-wide delays.

The company has reinforced its commitment to long-term growth with a major expansion of its UK production, warehouse, and distribution facility, completed in 2024. This investment has increased capacity to meet growing international demand for its Optidrive range of VFDs, which are renowned for their versatility across manufacturing, HVAC, water treatment, and renewable energy applications.

"Our success in international markets stems from our customer-centric, partnership driven approach," added Adrian. "By prioritising adaptability, innovation, sustainability, and digital engagement, we've been able to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace while delivering exceptional value to customers worldwide."

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* The King's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in Britain, with winning businesses able to use the King's Awards Emblem for the next five years.

@Invertek_Drives @TheKingsAwards #PAuto 

CEO appointed for drives innovator.

Adrian Ellam has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Invertek Drives Ltd.

Adrian Ellam

Adrian will take on the role from his current position as Finance and Operations Director, further strengthening the company's management team with an internal promotion, ensuring continuity in the company’s next phase of growth.

The appointment comes at a significant time for the company as it celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023 having reported a 45% year-on-year sales growth in 2022, with a total turnover of £79.3 million.

Adrian has been an integral part of Invertek Drives since 2010 and has worked closely with the existing directors, including three of the founding members of the business. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the company underscore its commitment to maintaining continuity and building on its success.

Based at the company's global headquarters at Welshpool (CYM), Adrian takes on the position from current CEO, Shaun Dean, who is Senior Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd and CEO of PTC EMEIA Group. Shaun held the role of CEO since Invertek Drives was acquired by Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd in 2019 to ensure a smooth integration into the group.

Shaun will continue to assume the role of Chairman of Invertek Drives Ltd in conjunction with his existing senior roles with Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd and PTC EMEIA.

Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director; Glyn Jones, Technical Director; David Jones, R&D Director; and Tommy Tighe, Business Development Director, continue to focus on their key areas, including the development of next-generation products, and future management structure enhancements

Commenting on Adrian's appointment, Shaun said: "I'm delighted that Adrian has accepted the position of CEO as part of our continued investment and growth plans. 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."

Adrian, 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.”

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.”

Adrian further highlighted the company's expanding global presence and collaborations this with partners in the PTC EMEIA Group to develop integrated solutions. He emphasised Invertek Drives' commitment to working closely with existing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers to unlock new opportunities.

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

Shaun Dean (front, left) with Adrian Ellam (front, right), and fellow directors Rhydian Welson (back, left), Dr Dvaid Jones, Glyn Jones, and Tommy Tighe.

@Invertek_Drives #PAuto #Manufacturing

DOL damper-fan system replaced by variable frequency drives.

Energy use was reduced from 19,423kWh to 7,789kWh as a result of the VFDs being installed.

Replacing an inefficient damper-based fan system with Invertek variable frequency drives has helped a Brazilian ceramics producer reduce energy use in part of its process by 60%, while increasing the quality of its products at the same time.

Ceramica Tomazia, located in Canelinha in Brazil, produces a range of ceramic brick and tile products used mainly in the construction industry. The production process involves mixing raw materials, before they are pressed, dried, glazed, and then undergo firing in a kiln.

Before the ceramics are glazed and fired, moisture has to be removed from the product in a drying room. An industrial exhaust fan was used to pull the heat source from the kiln into the drying room where it was then spread through seven industrial damper-based fans.

“To control the heat in the room dampers were used on the fans. This meant the fans were operating constantly at full speed unnecessarily, wasting energy and making it difficult to maintain the correct temperature accurately,” said Gabriel Robert of G2R Engenharia e Automacao,  "the company brought in to create a cost-effective solution. The damper-fans are simply inefficient and ineffective. We introduced Invertek Drives's Optidrive E3 and Eco drives to accurately control the fans, varying their speed depending on the products being dried and the temperature required.”

An Optidrive E3 IP66 / NEMA 4X rated VFD was used on the 15HP motor exhaust fan pulling the heat from the firing room. The outdoor rated enclosure was required due to the dust and heat in the industrial environment.

The seven 3HP (total 21HP) fans used in the drying room are now controlled by a single Optidrive Eco drive. The 22kW (30HP), 46A, 380-480V, IP20 rated drive is housed in a control panel, while all motors used on the fans have individual thermal protection.

Energy use was reduced from 19,423kWh to 7,789kWh as a result of the VFDs being installed.

“The introduction of VFD controlled fans has created significant savings in energy costs. Additionally, the quality and standardization of the products has been improved thanks to the improved control of the circulation of heat inside the drying room. The customer is very happy with the outcome,” added Gabriel.

Marcus Silva, Head of Sales in Latin America for Invertek Drives, said the result was another demonstration of how Optidrive VFDs are benefiting businesses and the environment by lowering emissions created through efficient energy use. “This can be just as important in areas such as agricultural buildings where the health and welfare of animals can be improved through such accurate ventilation and temperature control, or in environments where ventilation is important.”\

@Invertek_Drives #PAuto #Ceramics #VSD

Marketing drives in India.

Bhupesh Katakkar has joined the global innovator and manufacturer of variable frequency drives (VFD). He has worked with Invertek for more than nine years as a sales partner with a detailed knowledge of the automation sector and industries in India, having worked as an industrial electronics engineer in the drives and controls industry since 1992.

Bhupesh Katakkar

“Having worked with Invertek for many years I know only too well how its VFD technology is respected worldwide for its reliability, durability, and energy efficiency in motor control applications. Within the next three to five years I want to see Invertek as one of the top drives players in the Indian market and a force to reckon with,” he said.

“We have great potential for growth in India and it’s going to be exciting times developing new opportunities in a wide range of industries throughout the country.”

He will be responsible to Justin Peters, Factory Sales Manager, at Invertek Drives who has responsibility for the global sales team.

“Bhupesh has a thorough understanding of the market in India and having worked with us for many years as a sales partner he fully understands the strengths and benefits of our Optidrive variable frequency drive technology. We look forward to developing our brand and sales within the region,” said Justin.

Earlier this month Invertek revealed plans for a new £6.3m Innovation Centre at its global headquarters in in Britain. This is in addition to more than £10m being invested by its parent company, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, in an extension to its manufacturing facility, allowing it to increase production to 1.2m units a year.

A new Application and Training Centre has also been completed at the site and is due to be officially opened in June.

@Invertek_Drives #PAuto

Factory sales Drives forward.

Invertek Drives has appointed Justin Peters as Factory Sales Manager to lead the global sales team.

Justin Peters

Justin, who has worked at Invertek Drives for over 12 years as a dedicated Key Account Manager, will report to Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director, and will help develop the sales strategy as part of the company’s international growth plans.

Based at the company’s headquarters at Welshpool (Wales), his appointment comes as the company continues to record significant growth within the VFD sector, with record orders and sales over the past three years.

“The VFD market is highly competitive, but the reputation and reliability of our Optidrive VFD range continues to attract new and existing customers,” said Justin.

“Globally, there is a focus to reduce energy consumption, to cut harmful emissions, and subsequently help reduce climate change. Our complete range of VFD technology is supporting our customers desire to utilise higher efficiency motor technology and processes, and are helping to create more efficient and productive solutions for our customers.

“Despite increasing legislation, driving changes in behaviour, we know that a large proportion of motor controlled applications are not using VFDs, or are not utilising available technologies, resulting in highly inefficient processes that can result in significant costs for the operator, including energy, maintenance and downtime.

“At Invertek, we are implementing our own initiatives within our manufacturing headquarters in our drive for a cooler planet, whilst we can actively promote and support our customers and end users regarding the benefits of VFD technology in saving energy. It’s great to be able to help support the need for change from both sides.”

He added: “With the continued investment in our staff and training, it feels good to be able to support the next generation of engineers and professionals who are developing new and improved technologies to help reduced carbon emissions further, and to help in bringing those benefits directly to our customers.

Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Over the past three years we’ve witnessed significant increases in demand for our technology which has resulted in record orders globally. We’re building on that by investing in our workforce and global manufacturing facility. This investment will allow us to increase production significantly in late 2023. 

“Justin has over 25 years experience within the VFD industry, including at Invertek where he works closely with our OEM customers. He’ll continue to work in this area while leading our sales team through the development of new and existing customers within our global sales network.” 

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• Invertek Drives is part of the Sumitomo Drive Technologies EMEIA group of businesses within Sumitomo Heavy Industries, is also investing in a new application centre and offices at its HQ, to support its training, sales and marketing teams.

@Invertek_Drives #PAuto 

Appointment for HVAC sector.

Mike Carman has been appointed as Executive Business Development Manager for the HVAC-R sector with Invertek Drives. His role is to focus on the development of Invertek’s growing position as an innovator and manufacturer of energy efficient variable frequency drives (VFD) used to control and optimise the performance of AC electric motors used in BLDC compressors for applications such as Heat Pumps, CDU’S and refrigeration food retail display cases.

Mike Carman

He has worked in the VFD industry for more than 20 years, including a total of six years at Invertek Drives.

Mike has been heavily involved in Invertek’s work in the refrigeration sector in recent years with the launch of Optidrive Coolvert, a VFD designed specifically for OEMs to optimise the performance of BLDC compressors using natural refrigerants such as R744 and R290.

Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Globally there is a push, indeed a need, to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. Our VFDs are already being used in the HVAC-R sector and our overall market share of the industry has grown significantly in recent years having witnessed record orders and growth.

“We are in a commanding position through our innovation and drives products, including Coolvert, to support ever more efficient AC motor controlled systems, including BLDC compressors used in HVAC-R applications. These markets are growing rapidly and we are ready to support that.

“Mike has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this sector and will lead on this global development.”

Earlier this year the European Commission unveiled a revision of its F-Gas Regulation which aims to reduce harmful carbon emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030 and making Europe climate neutral by 2050. Part of this means refrigeration systems manufacturers are having to turn to alternative “green refrigerants” such as, R744 and R290 natural refrigerants.

Mike Carman, said: “We recently attended Chillventa in Nuremberg, Germany, Europe’s premier refrigeration exhibition, where it became obvious just how well known Invertek and our Optidrive products have become within the industry. Our products could be seen on refrigeration and heat pump machines throughout the show highlighting how we are already making a significant impact.”

He added: “The global refrigeration equipment market was valued at $37.25 Billion (USD) in 2021 and expected to grow by 132% to $58.31 Billion (USD) by 2028. Place this alongside growth of 34 per cent in European heat pump sales in 2021 and it’s quite clear we have a significant role and opportunity to play in this sector. I’m looking forward to developing that opportunity by working with OEMs, our dedicated sales partners to integrate our drive technology into existing and future systems.”

@Invertek_Drives @EUClimateAction #HVAC #F-Gas

VFD manufacturer drives ahead!

Invertek Drives is expanding following significant growth in global sales.said the investment will create an expansion to its global variable frequency drive (VFD) manufacturing and distribution centre, along with the development of a new Application Centre.

It will create 85 new jobs over the next 12 months on top of the 280 people already employed at the global HQ in Mid Wales and follows a major recruitment drive over the past year in both its production and research and development departments.

The company designs and manufacturers VFDs used for the accurate control of electric motors used in many applications and industries globally. These range from conveyors to CNC machines, HVAC and ventilation systems, to water pumping applications The VFDs are also major contributors to creating energy savings and reducing associated CO2 emissions in processes by making electric motors more efficient, cutting energy use by between 30% and 50% in many cases. They control the speed of motors, pumps and fans, ensuring they operate at optimum speeds. They control the speed of motors, pumps and fans, ensuring they operate at optimum speeds.

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: “We’ve seen significant growth in sales and turnover over the past 18 months despite the global pandemic.

“Invertek’s approach to maintaining strategic stock of components has ensured we’ve been able to continue manufacturing our Optidrive range of VFDs despite the global supply chain problems currently facing many manufacturers.

“We continues to commit to investing heavily in the innovation, development and manufacturing of VFD technology. The expanded manufacturing facility will allow us to increase production from 350,000 units a year to 600,000.

“This is part of our drive to create the leading next generation VFD technology that will help to further reduce energy use and associated CO2 emissions globally.

We will add three new production lines each consisting of six Global Assembly Cells (GACS) allowing the increase in production."

Around eight billion electric motors consume nearly 50 per cent of the electricity produced in Europe. Globally, 40 per cent of electricity is used to power industry, with two-thirds of this used by electric motors. And yet less than 20 per cent of electric motors are controlled by VFDs.

@Invertek_Drives #Wales #Pauto #HVAC

Drives for biological purification plant.

Significant energy and cost savings have been made in the biological purification process at an Italian water plant following the introduction of variable frequency drives into the process.

Specialist water technology, design and management company So.T.Eco SpA, managed by Dr. Salvatore Barletta, introduced an oxygenation process into the Robecco sul Naviglio Water Purification Plant, close to Milan (I), after being appointed to upgrade and renovate the existing facility.

The process pumps oxygen evenly into the waste sludge which encourages the activation and growth of bacteria. These in turn consume the organic matter during the water purification process before clean water is released back into a river. However, the amount of oxygen must be varied to suit changing environmental conditions as well as the amount of sludge being processed. This is where VFD technology improves the efficiency of the process and reduces energy and maintenance costs. 

 “In biological purification plants it is important to regulate the supply of oxygen adequately as insufficient oxygenation impairs the result of purification while excessive oxygenation results in considerable energy costs for pumps or other ventilation devices,” said Roberto Giordano, Technical Manager at So.T.Eco SpA. “It can also create excessive wear on the components used which can cause maintenance costs and expensive downtime.”

Introducing Invertek’s Optidrive P2 VFD technology means the pump speed can be accurately controlled depending on the conditions and to ensure an even spread throughout the activated sludge process.

Mr Giordano said: “In order to obtain a good regulation and always keep the oxygen concentration as close as possible to optimal levels, it is necessary to avoid switching the pumps on and off. Instead, a variable-flow device was needed and we opted for the Optidrive P2 from Invertek Drives due to its accurate control functions, ease of set up and use, and, importantly, its durability. By doing this the oxygenation process can be altered precisely depending on the various factors.”

The company worked with Invertek Drives Italia / SP Electric to identify the right drive for the process. It was necessary to have a drive capable of a high torque start-up as well as being easy to set up.

Vincenzo di Giuseppe, Area Manager at Invertek Drives Italia, said: “The Optidrive P2 is perfect for a demanding environment like water purification. It’s a high-performance drive and is more than capable of dealing with a high starting torque. It can handle a 150% overload for 60 seconds as standard which makes it perfect for heavy duty applications.”

Eight 3PH Optidrive P2 VFDs were used in the application. They included two 380V, Size 5, 37kW, 72A; two Size 3, 480V, 5.5Kw, 14A; two Size 2, 380V, 4kW, 9.5A; and two Size 3, 380V, 18A, 7.5kW.

The Optidrive P2 is available in IP20, IP55 and IP66 / NEMA 4X enclosures. A new Size 8 has also been introduced capable of controlling electric motors up to 480A with a power rating up to 250kW / 400HP. The range also adds DNV marine certification, in addition to a built-in EMC filter to meet Category C3 with a factory fit option to upgrade to a high-performance EMC filter that meets Category C2. They also come with high-definition TFT displays as standard. The IP20 and IP55 / NEMA 12 both have an ambient operating temperature up to 50˚C and conform to UL, cUL, EAC and RCM, in addition to DNV.

@Invertek_Drives #Water #Italy

VFD technology for waste disposal.

The amount of waste produced in the meat processing industry can be considerable and costly in terms of production and disposal of the material.

A meat processing company has worked with Engefi Engenharia Eficiente Ltd to create greater speed control over its compactor, allowing for changes in the incoming quantity and type of waste. Engefi developed a solution that could be integrated into compactors using Optidrive E3 variable frequency drives (VFD).

Waste compactors are one way of continuing production without the need to stop to remove waste at intervals from containers or skips within the production process. By compacting the waste it can also be removed and handled more easily and safely for disposal.

“The existing compactors worked well but having greater control of the operating speed meant it could mirror production levels and the type of meats and waste being used,” said Marcus Silva, Head of Sales, Latin America.

“By matching the compactor’s speed to production levels and the type of product, created a faster process with less downtime. The compacted meat also takes up less room, making it easier to handle and dispose of. This provided added safety for staff involved in the production and disposal processes.”

An Optidrive E3, Frame Size 3 with an IP20 enclosure is being used in the application. Its compact size meant it could be easily installed into the panel, as well as being able to handle the environmental conditions.

The 380V, 3PH, 24A, drive was more than capable for the application. It will now be used on other compactors operated by the company.

Denner Ferreira of Engefi, said: “There were several factors in choosing the Optidrive E3 for the application. The first was reliability and ease of use. We needed a VFD that could operate in the production environment and could be easily set up. The Optidrive ticked all these boxes.

“Additionally, its compact size and robustness made it ideal for such an operating environment. It could also be easily installed into a smaller panel, taking up less space.”

The Optidrive E3 provides simplicity of installation, connection, and commissioning, allowing the user to benefit from precise motor control and energy savings within minutes.

@Invertek_Drives #PAuto #Waste #Brazil

Overcoming high current mixer start-up problem.

A tank agitator with a demanding high torque at start-up was causing production problems for the manufacturer of specialist automotive cleaning products.

Mexico-based Margrey, which manufacturers chemicals and products used for cleaning and detailing in the automotive sector, was struggling to find a variable frequency drive (VFD) capable of handling the high start-up current and demanding mixing application.

“The mixer motor needed to reach 75HP. However, the density and volume of the liquids being mixed placed high levels of stress on the mixer blades at start-up,” said Marcus Silva, Invertek Drives Head of Sales in Latin America.  “This meant a high-powered motor and VFD was needed to handle the start-up current required.”

InnovationCom, a sales partner of Invertek Drives, worked with Margrey in Jalisco to develop a solution. They identified the Optidrive P2 as a VFD more than suited to the application. It would control a 480V, 3 Phase motor.

“The agitator mixes a range of substances with different densities. So, it was important to have complete control at all stages of the mixing process, from start-up with a high-current, through to variable speed control during each stage of the mixing process, or where additional substances are added,” added Marcus.

“In addition, the enclosure protection of the drive, due to the environment it was operating in, and its physical size were also importance factors. They wanted a drive that could be easily installed into an existing cabinet on the mixer. A combination of these meant the company was struggling to identify a suitable VFD.”

The Optidrive P2 is one of the most powerful VFDs in its class. It combines high performance with ease of use. It can handle 150% overload for 60 seconds. In this instance, an IP55 rated, Frame Size 6 with 110A, 380V-480V, 3PH input was chosen.

“The customer was impressed with the speed of the installation and commissioning, something the Optidrive range is well known for. Its ability to handle the large capacity and powerful motors without any problems was also a major plus for the business which has been able to continue production without any issues,” added Marcus.

@Invertek_Drives #Pauto  #Drives #Mexico