Siemens’ variable speed drives manufacturing plant in Congleton, Cheshire, has reported a 60% increase in orders over the first two months of the 2010-11 financial year. Orders placed last November broke its previous record, with 98% of the drives heading for the export market.

To support this growth, the site has increased its workforce from 340 to 500 employees over the past year.

“We had to take some tough decisions during the downturn but are now taking advantage of the economic upswing and cementing our reputation as a product manufacturer of the highest order,” says Finbarr Dowling, managing director of the Congleton plant (shown below).

Siemens is also attributing the plant’s recent performance to a surge in global demand for energy-saving devices as users realise the potential payback of VSDs in applications such as pumping, conveying, materials-handling and fans. VSDs manufactured in Congleton are estimated to be saving almost 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

“Siemens is now primed to build on what has made the factory in Congleton successful in the past,” says Dowling. “Its employees, quality products, and its competence in the global market.”