The multi-million pound investment will see Sewtec create a state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility, including r&d and office spaces. All 130 of the company's employees will relocate to the new premises, which is planned to open by March 2020, and more than 70 new jobs are expected to be created at the site over the coming three years.

“This is an excellent, modern facility which will transform how Sewtec operates and help us further realise our potential,” says managing director, Mark Cook. “Client demand for our bespoke automation machinery continues to grow at pace, and in many global markets. The investment will provide us with space to meet this demand and increase our manufacturing capability.”

In July this year, Sewtec announced that its turnover had more than doubled to £28m, with an EBITDA of £9m, in the year to 30 June. The company is now aiming for a turnover of £50m by 2023.

Sewtec designs, manufactures, installs and commissions automation systems for clients including Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Imperial Tobacco, Tata Global Beverages and Hershey. More than 85% of its  sales come from exports. Its rapid growth follows a management buyout in August 2017.