Renishaw develops its own motion controls

Metrology manufacturer Renishaw is developing its own motion control technology for the next generation of its CMM (co-ordinate measuring machine) probes. Although the technology is being tailored to meet the special demands of CMM applications, assistant chief executive Ben Taylor does not rule out using the company`s new motion control expertise elsewhere.

Announcing expansion plans that will double the company`s UK manufacturing floorspace, Taylor revealed that encoders are the fastest-growing part of Renishaw`s business. The company has recently introduced a high-resolution, 360 degree rotary encoder, linear encoders based on a 40µm pitch scale, and an XY planar encoder. These and similar developments "are taking us into new markets," Taylor reported.

As part of its expansion plans, Renishaw has bought a former Critchley factory near Stroud, about 15km from its Wotton-under-Edge headquarters. The new site gives it an extra 15,500m2 of factory and office space, effectively doubling its UK floor area. It plans to move most of its manufacturing to the new site over the coming year. Product development will continue at Wotton, where Renishaw has long-term plans for redevelopment which have been held up by a delay in obtaining planning permission.

More than 90% of Renishaw`s production is exported. Sales in the half-year to December were up 27% at £60.2m. The company invests 14% of its income on research, development and engineering. It employs 1,500 people, more than 1,000 of them in the UK. It currently has around 130 vacancies.

• Renishaw`s chairman and chief executive David McMurtry was knighted in the New Years Honours List "for services to design and innovation". Sir David founded the company in 1973, with John Deer, now deputy chairman.