Blum-Novotest (www.blum-novotest.com) — the measuring and testing technology company based in Burton-on-Trent — has taken on a new technical sales manager, with the aim of doubling its UK sales to £1 million over the next 12 months.

Gary Bates will be responsible for growing the company’s market share in the aerospace, automotive and CNC machine tool markets.

He said: “My previous roles have seen me work across the globe and in numerous different sectors. My most recent position was metrology consultant for some of the biggest names in the aerospace world.

"There has never been a better time to be driving these innovations, with manufacturing now going away from co-ordinate measuring machines towards what we can offer. Speed, accuracy and ease of installation are all major selling points.”

Blum-Novotest is a global company, with 534 staff, a turnover of £77 million and 16 subsidiaries. Its UK operation was founded in 2000.

Mr Bates added: “Blum-Novotest had its best ever year in the UK in 2017, and it’s my job to build on this significantly, almost doubling sales to £1 million per annum.

"In five years, I’d love nothing better than for us to have an extensive network of engineers throughout the UK and Ireland.”