Fast growing eye-safe laser measurement technology manufacturer and distributor, Measurement Devices Ltd (MDL), is expanding into new premises in York.
MDL, which is increasing global annual sales by 60 per cent, is acquiring £3m additional premises next to its headquarters at Acer House, Hackness Road, Northminster Business Park.
The business, which develops, manufacturers and supplies technology for global markets including quarrying, civil engineering, mining, mapping, marine and automotive, will move into the two-storey, 20,000 sq ft Redwood House in December (2012).
MDL, which was founded in Scotland in 1983, opened its first Yorkshire office at Castle Howard in 1999 before moving to 1,250 sq ft premises at Northminster Business Park in 2005 and upgraded to the 6,000 sq ft Acer House in 2006.
Managing director, Elaine Ball, says: “The global market for increasing safety in harsh environments, using laser measurement technology, is growing rapidly and MDL expects to have 120 staff at York and to have tripled its turnover by 2014.
“Redwood House will become the base for our production, service and R&D departments and be a clean industrial facility with laboratories and special range-testing facilities for our products.
“Northminster Business Park is a good working environment with easy access to the region’s transport network and the skilled workforce we need to support our growth.”
MDL, which currently has 67 staff at York and also has offices in Scotland, China, Canada, Australia and the US, recently launched a miniature laser module which could be integrated into mobile phones or other technology and earlier this year acquired its Canadian technical and distribution facility in a multi-million pound deal.
The 18-acre Northminster Business Park, a former distribution facility, was acquired in 1995 and has been developed to become the base for more than 40 local, national and international businesses employing a total of 500 staff.
Managing director of Northminster Limited, George Burgess, says: “Northminster is delighted to be providing MDL with premises which will support the enterprise in its outstanding growth in York.
“Redwood House is being built to the BREEAM standard of Very Good, incorporating many environmentally-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, air-source heat pumps, sustainable drainage and permeable car parking areas.”
MDL has three operating divisions: Sensors, which designs and manufactures generic time-of-flight laser distance meters, Systems, which designs and manufactures laser-based positioning and 3D-scanning products and technical services which provides a service solution for customers who can’t afford to purchase. More details are available at www.mdl-laser.com
Photo caption: Pictured (L TO R) at the site of the new Measurement Devices Ltd offices are MDL founder and chairman, Steve Ball, Northminster ltd, managing director, George Burgess; MDL managing director, Elaine Ball and Northminster Ltd development surveyor, Alastair Gill.