Control Techniques, a Nidec brand, has successfully brought production of one of its most famous products back to the UK.

Control Techniques’ Commander general purpose drives will be produced entirely at the organisation’s UK manufacturing headquarters in Newtown, Wales. Previously, while designed in the UK, the drives were manufactured using a third-party in Asia.

Control Techniques is a leading manufacturer of AC and DC variable speed drives, servos and power conversion technologies for commercial and industrial applications.

The move marks a significant investment in the future of Control Techniques’ UK operations, and enables the business to greatly increase its production capabilities while also reducing costs. The insourcing complements further investments made in 2019 to enhance its operations facilities and has also resulted in the creation of 44 new jobs at the site.

Martyn Cray, VP of operations at Control Techniques, said: “By moving production of our Commander product back to the UK we have demonstrated our confidence in Wales as a competitive place to do business.

“Completing the project during 2020 meant working through extremely challenging circumstances, but we were not prepared to let the pandemic hold us back. The result is a significant boost in productivity and capacity, along with the added benefit of being able to create new employment opportunities here in Mid Wales.”

Anthony Pickering, President of Control Techniques, added: “Bringing production of Commander back where it belongs is hugely important for us, both commercially and symbolically. ‘Country of origin’ still plays a big part in a customer’s buying decision and knowing the product has been designed and manufactured in the UK counts for a great deal.

“The team deserves congratulations for the work done to make this happen. Moving production from overseas is a huge undertaking, but to have completed the work while navigating through the extra challenges presented during Covid deserves immense credit.”