Up to 40 new jobs could be created at an award-winning Derby electronics firm if its plans to build a new R&D facility are given the go-ahead.

Pektron Group (www.pektron.com), which designs and manufactures bespoke electronics hardware and software for a variety of markets — including automotive, agriculture and construction — has applied for planning permission to construct a four-storey building at its site in Derby.

The plans involve replacing the firm’s original headquarters — built when it was founded in 1964 and currently used for manufacturing, R&D and administration — with a modern facility.

According to the planning application, the new building could result in 40 new jobs being created at the firm.

The ground floor of the new building would be used primarily for research and testing, with design and component manufacturing on the three floors above.

Pektron is a fast-expanding company that has enjoyed overseas success and seen its sales grow by 250% over the past 10 years.

Last year, it received a Queen’s Award in the International Trade category.