UK-based Invertek Drives Ltd, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, has been honoured at a reception at Windsor Castle, London, UK, hosted by His Majesty King Charles III to celebrate The King's Award for Enterprise recipients.
The 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, showcasing the strength of SHI's global network of specialised companies.
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 SHI's Global Excellence
Invertek Drives' invitation to Windsor Castle represents the culmination of a remarkable success story that demonstrates how SHI's subsidiary companies excel on the global stage. Since joining the Sumitomo Heavy Industries group in 2019, Invertek has leveraged both its Welsh heritage and access to global opportunities and resources to achieve extraordinary growth.
The company's achievement in receiving The King's Award for International Trade highlights how SHI's decentralised approach allows subsidiary companies to maintain their local strengths whilst benefiting from global scale and expertise.
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."
Driving Innovation Within the SHI Network
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 within SHI's portfolio of industrial solutions. 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.
As part of SHI's commitment to sustainable industrial solutions, Invertek's technology directly supports global decarbonisation efforts by reducing energy consumption in industrial applications worldwide.
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 and a valuable contributor to SHI's global manufacturing capabilities.
"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 SHI's 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 supported by SHI's international network.
This achievement reflects SHI's broader commitment to fostering excellence across its subsidiary companies whilst maintaining their unique identities and local expertise. Invertek's success demonstrates how the SHI group's approach of combining local entrepreneurship with global resources creates value for customers worldwide.
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.
About Invertek Drives and SHI
Invertek Drives Ltd is a leading global designer and manufacturer of variable frequency drives (VFDs), part of the Sumitomo Heavy Industries group since 2019. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Welshpool, Powys, the company's innovative Optidrive range helps control the speed and torque of electric motors, enhancing energy efficiency and performance across multiple sectors.
As a subsidiary of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Invertek Drives maintains its strong Welsh heritage and operational independence whilst benefiting from SHI's global reach, technical resources, and commitment to sustainable industrial solutions.