A family-run design and manufacturing business is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with plans to expand and create new jobs.

NDE Clarke Pitchline (www.ndepower.com) — based at the former Riley Motor Co Works in Coventry — specialises in the design, engineering and manufacture of a range of industrial drive and power transmission products and services, with clients around the world.

A successful 2018, including the acquisition of a new Hankook vertical turning and milling centre (thanks to a grant from Business Support Programme Investment Fund and assistance from the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub), has allowed the firm to break into new markets, increase its productivity and recruit staff.

The firm is expecting to increase its annual turnover by 25% over the next 18 months, following the latest investment. Plans are also now in place to expand its premises in 2019 and bring in more staff, as it celebrates 50 years in business.

Commercial director Chris Edgington said: “We are proud to be able to continue adding to the strong business heritage of our site, which many people in Coventry will remember as the thriving heart of the Riley Motor Co Works.

"To have had 50 successful years of our own here is incredible and a credit to the whole team here. We have invested in new staff and new equipment over the last few years, with this new machine really helping to transform our working practices and product development.”

NDE Clarke Pitchline currently employs around 45 people, two of whom were brought in as a direct result of the machine investment. Last year, exports accounted for 30% of the company’s revenue.