Invertek Drives has taken part in an exclusive reception at Windsor Castle, UK, hosted by King Charles III to celebrate The King's Award for Enterprise recipients.
The prestigious event brought together businesses from across the UK that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development, and Promoting Opportunity. Invertek Drives was recognised in the International Trade category for its exceptional 149% growth in overseas sales over six years.
The Wales-based company was represented at the royal reception by CEO Adrian Ellam, who had the opportunity to discuss Invertek's transformation from a Welsh startup to a global leader in variable frequency drive technology. His Majesty showed particular interest in how the company's VFD solutions contribute to reducing industrial energy consumption worldwide.
"The King's genuine interest in our technology and its environmental benefits reinforced why our work matters," said Adrian Ellam. "We're helping industries worldwide operate more efficiently whilst reducing their environmental impact. Having the opportunity to represent Welsh manufacturing at Windsor Castle was truly memorable for our entire company."
A Testament to Welsh Excellence
Invertek Drives' invitation to Windsor Castle represents the culmination of a remarkable success story that began in Welshpool in 1998. The company's achievement in receiving The King's Award for International Trade demonstrates how Welsh manufacturing can compete and excel on the global stage.
With 95% of sales now coming from international markets across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Invertek Drives has proven its ability to serve customers worldwide from its Powys headquarters. The company's success becomes even more impressive considering the global challenges it has navigated, including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and supply chain disruptions.
"This recognition belongs to our entire team at Invertek," said Adrian. "From our engineers and production staff in Welshpool to our global sales and support teams, everyone contributed to this achievement. We've built something truly special here in Wales."
The company's strategic foresight, including building substantial component stocks before Brexit, enabled it to maintain production and support customers when competitors struggled, leading to significant market share gains during challenging periods.
Driving Innovation and Growth
Founded in 1998 and headquartered at Offa's Dyke Business Park in Welshpool, Invertek Drives has established itself as a leading designer and manufacturer of variable frequency drives. The company's innovative Optidrive range controls the speed and torque of electric motors, enhancing energy efficiency across manufacturing, HVAC, water treatment, and renewable energy sectors.
Investment in Welsh operations has been substantial, with the company completing a major expansion of production, warehouse, and distribution facilities in 2024. This growth has supported workforce expansion from 200 employees in 2018 to over 400 in 2025, making Invertek Drives a significant employer in the region.
"Our commitment to innovation and energy efficiency resonates strongly with today's focus on sustainability," said Adrian. "Every drive we manufacture helps reduce energy consumption somewhere in the world, which makes this recognition even more meaningful."
Royal Recognition of Excellence
The King's Awards for Enterprise represent the most prestigious business awards in the United Kingdom. The International Trade category specifically recognises businesses that have achieved substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success, criteria that
Invertek Drives has exceeded through its global expansion strategy.
As part of the Sumitomo Heavy Industries group since 2019, Invertek Drives continues to leverage its Welsh heritage and technical excellence whilst accessing global opportunities and resources. This combination has proven instrumental in the company's international success and ability to serve customers across multiple continents.
The reception at Windsor Castle provided an opportunity for King's Award recipients to celebrate their achievements whilst networking with fellow business leaders who represent the pinnacle of UK commercial excellence.
Winners of The King's Award for Enterprise are authorised to use the prestigious King's Awards Emblem for five years, serving as a mark of quality and achievement recognised worldwide.
For media information, please contact:
Owain Betts, Corporate Communications Manager
E: Owain.Betts@shi-g.com
T: +44 (0) 7483 072 739
