Manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology Invertek Drives Ltd has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD - just three years after the two-million milestone, demonstrating rapidly growing demand for its energy-saving solutions.

Image: Adrian Ellam, CEO of Invertek Drives Ltd,

with Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director, and Glyn Jones, Technical Director

Designed and manufactured at the company's headquarters near Welshpool, UK, the production of the three millionth VFD represents Invertek Drives' ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Its Optidrive VFDs play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption of up to 50 per cent in some applications and associated emissions. By precisely controlling electric motors, they ensure they only use the power needed for the specific task, significantly reducing wasted energy. This technology is particularly impactful considering estimates suggest over 80 million electric motors operate globally without VFD control.

“Tackling energy waste and emissions is a global priority," said Adrian Ellam, CEO of Invertek Drives Ltd. "Our VFDs provide a powerful and proven solution. Expanding their use will significantly impact environmental sustainability.

“We are expanding our Innovation team significantly to create next generation VFD products as more and more industries and sectors adopt such technology to increase efficiencies in systems and reduce energy consumption, leading to improved profitability.”

The company is currently undergoing a major expansion, including a new 2,750sqm facility to boost production capacity to over 1.5 million drives annually. This investment underscores the growing demand for VFDs across various industries.

The company achieved a record turnover of £96.9 million in 2023, a 27% increase year-on-year. With a workforce exceeding 460 employees, the company recently announced plans for a multi-million pound investment in its VFD research and development programme, including a new Innovation Centre and HQ.

Caption: Adrian Ellam, CEO of Invertek Drives Ltd, with Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director, and Glyn Jones, Technical Director

VFDs are used in applications across a broad spectrum of industries worldwide, including the water and wastewater sector to improve efficiency in water treatment plants and pumping stations.