ACR Journal

CHILLY CHATTER 46 June | July 2021 Volume 7 No.4 Long-serving manufacturing technician Janet Evans was chosen to assemble a special golden drive to mark the sale of Invertek’s two millionth drive. Janet has worked with the variable frequency drive manufacturer for 18 years and works on one of the company’s global assembly cells, where each drive is built to order, tested, and packed before being consolidated and despatched internationally. She said: “I felt very privileged to have assembled the two millionth drive. I’ve seen the company grow and develop over the years. It’s amazing to think so many of the drives I’ve assembled are being used all over the world.” The milestone comes after Invertek announced record sales during 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. It follows significant continued year-on-year growth since the company was established in 1998. In November 2019 it was acquired by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of power transmission and control equipment. Janet marks Invertek’s golden moment The two millionth drive is part of an order placed by Hiflex Automatiseringstechniek BV, Invertek’s sales partner in the Netherlands. The Optidrive E3 will be sent to their headquarters in Ridderkerk, Rotterdam. Shaun Dean, CEO of Invertek and senior vice president of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, said: “VFDs are playing a major part in helping reduce carbon emissions globally through e—cient motor control. We’re very proud of how our inverter technology is helping contribute to that.” Shaun Dean with Janet Evans following the production of the two millionth Optidrive VFD. They are watched by, from left, Adrian Ellam, finance and operations director, Glyn Jones, R&D director, Rhydian Welson, sales and marketing director, and Dr David Jones, R&D director J S Wright extends netball backing Mechanical and electrical services specialist J S Wright has renewed its sponsorship of a leading junior netball club for the third consecutive season. The company, which is based in Birmingham and has an o—ce in London, will remain the principal sponsor of Parkside in Sutton Coldfield whose girls currently play at Under 12 to Under 15 levels in the Birmingham Intermediate Netball League (BINL) and at Under 14 and Under 16 levels in the National League. David Gri—ths, Parkside Netball Club chairman, said: “Given that most of last season was cancelled, the club is extremely grateful that J S Wright has continued to support us in these di—cult times. The support has proved invaluable in giving the increasing numbers of girls across Birmingham that are keen to take up netball the opportunity to train and play in a safe environment, gain confidence and achieve their potential, and make lasting friendships.” Andrew Smith, J S Wright national design and estimating director, whose daughter Lily plays for the club, said: “As a company that is committed to providing a safe and inclusive career path for our young people, we are delighted to continue to support a club that both nurtures the sporting ambitions of young girls in the community and aids their fitness, confidence and mental health.” New players at Parkside Junior Netball Club sport their new JSW-branded hoodies alongside their trainers