Germany-based Hoppecke (www.hoppecke.co.uk), an energy management specialist, has signed a 15-year lease on its assembly and warehouse facility in Staffordshire.

This follows a period of stability that has seen its UK subsidiary out-perform the market in all areas of its business, with total revenue up by more than 36% over the past two years.

It indicates that the company intends to continue with its offering of battery assembly, sales, rental, refurbishment and servicing in the UK.

Jason Howlett, managing director of Hoppecke’s northern Europe region, said: “Although we have to contend with strong price competition, currency issues and the rising cost of lead, we’re committed to building our business in the UK, and we are taking steps to meet these challenges.

"Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, we intend to capitalise on our market reputation, quality product range and dedicated workforce to take full advantage of the growth potential in the UK, particularly in relation to energy storage.”

Despite on-going pressure on margins in the mature motive-power sector, Hoppecke Industrial Batteries (based in Newcastle) is benefitting from the trend towards greater use of electric equipment.

Having registered its third year-on-year revenue increase, the business aims to build its market share through continued development of a multi-technology multi-solution offering for OEMs and end users.

The UK market for special power has improved significantly in the past 12 months, due to increased investment in the electrification of railway lines and new rolling stock.

Thanks to strong relationships with the major OEMs, Hoppecke’s UK subsidiary is well placed to maximise its product offering and technical support capabilities.