The need to improve testing, training and showroom facilities has prompted gas detection specialists Crowcon Detection Instruments to move to a new, purpose-built £5m headquarters at Milton Park near Didcot.

Managing director Mike Ophield said: “Sales have been increasing significantly, that was a key driver. But probably more important was improved quality space.”

Crowcon, which makes mobile and fixed gas protection equipment for the gas, oil, steel, petrochemical and water utilities industries, officially opened its new home in the business estate on September 5.

The 40,000-square foot building at 172 Brook Drive represents 7,000 more square feet than Crowcon’s previous HQ in Abingdon, where it had been for the past 25 years.

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Mr Ophield said only 11 per cent of the additional space was for increased manufacturing.

He said of the new manufacturing facilities: “We could probably triple output.”

The rest of the extra space is being used for new calibration testing facilities, research and development laboratories, larger training facilities, and product showrooms.

The company was also keen to retain all of its 225 staff in the move.

Herald Series:

  • Inside the new £5m premises

Crowcon’s biggest group of employees is in manufacturing, about 70, followed by sales and marketing, about 40. Other staff work in operations, research and development, and finance.

The company has a 15-year lease on the site and relocated its operations over four days in August.

Mr Ophield said Crowcon, which is a subsidiary of the listed Halma plc group, had doubled its sales revenue over the past five years. Halma, however, does not break out Crowcon’s performance in its own financial reports.

Crowcon’s fastest-growing markets are China and the Asia-Pacific region, he said.

The company exports about 60 per cent of its range of 25 products.

Herald Series:

  • Managing director Mike Ophield holds a tree upright as Paul Walker, chairman of Halma, digs in

Other key markets include North America, South America, Europe, India and the Middle East.

Milton Park is one of Europe’s biggest business parks, and is home to more than 200 organisations.

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