Tamworth-based Ascott Analytical Equipment Ltd (www.ascott-analytical.com), a manufacturer of corrosion test chambers for some of the world’s largest automotive and aerospace groups, has doubled the size of its facility.

The company officially opened its new factory in the presence of Tamworth mayor Peter Thurgood and some of Ascott’s key distributors in Japan, China, the USA, India and Europe.

Growing markets in the USA, South America, the Far East and Australia prompted the company — which exports 95% of its equipment to more than 100 countries — to expand into the unit next to its Lichfield Road Industrial Estate base.

As well as doubling its floorspace, Ascott now has impressive new offices, demonstration rooms, a large reception area, a new boardroom and a training zone.

Chairman Chris Gates, who started the company 29 years ago, said: “We’ve been determined to build a world-class facility to not only manufacture our corrosion test chambers but also better serve our world-class distributors.

"We’re proud of the fact that we are manufacturing here in Tamworth and that we are employing Tamworth people, creating high-quality jobs and exporting around the world.”

Ascott supplies test chambers that allow manufacturers to monitor the corrosion-resistance of their components; these customers include major automotive groups such as Tesla, Bentley, Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford and Volvo.

Its aerospace customers include Safran, Bombadier, Airbus and Boeing. It also supplies other world-leading technology companies, including Bosch, Phillips, Toshiba, Hitachi, Panasonic and Samsung.

Ascott’s products include chambers delivering everything from continuous salt spray to condensation, with the largest capable of accommodating a large car.