Industrial Devices does the splits

Industrial Devices UK, which supplies electric actuators and telescopic columns, is splitting itself into two companies, Industrial Devices UK and Industrial Devices GB. The latter operation, a new business based in Shropshire, will target the market for low-voltage products for less demanding applications, while ID UK will focus on high-performance cylinders and actuators.

ID`s managing director, Mel Harley, says that the need to reduce operating and maintenance costs is driving a move away from hydraulic to electric actuators, which are simpler to install, maintain and replace. Another factor creating demand for electric actuators is the growing popularity of height-adjustable work surfaces to meet health and safety legislation.

"The increased rate of business is exceeding our current capacity, and bringing in more personnel was inevitable," says Harley. The new business will be run by his son Richard who, until recently, was an export sales manager with David Brown Engineering.