A thriving Luton firm celebrated its bicentenary in style on Thursday, as the Duke of Kent visited its factory for a tour.
Specialist engineering company Hayward Tyler, based on Kimpton Road, began in business by making hydraulic presses and soda water machinery back in 1815– a far cry from the electric motors it exports for the energy sector across the globe today.
The firm marked its 200th birthday with a plaque that was unveiledby the Queen’s first cousin, before plans for Hayward Tyler’s imminent expansion were revealed.
Under the proposals disused buildings at the back of the firm’s site will be demolished to pave the way for an expansion of the main manufactoring facility.
The development will create the space for assembly areas and test pits built specifically as the firm pursues opportunities in the civil nuclear and subsea markets.
Hayward Tyler CEO Ewan Lloyd-Baker told the Luton News: “All of the team were really excited by the Duke’s visit and during the tour he was able to meet some of our longest serving employees, as well as the trainees and graduates we have.
“Having anyone from the royal household to celebrate with us is really encouraging and we have taken a lot of pride in it.”
Mr Lloyd-Baker added his excitement over Hayward Tyler’s expansion plans, which could lead to the creation of 75 new jobs within the next five years.
He said: “Expanding the footprint is all about increasing our capabilities, which means we will be better placed to cater for specialist markets.
“It is a £10m programme and a significant amount will also go into personnel, it’s not just bricks and mortar.”