Controlled Speed Fast Forward into 2009

Controlled Speed, the world-class designer and manufacturer of electronic assemblies has been bought by its chief executive in a PIF and Co-operative Bank supported deal.

The West Yorkshire firm, which was established in 1984 and has an annual turnover of £3m, has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted manufacturers of high performance electronic motor speed controls and assemblies in the world.

Controlled Speeds’ product range is diverse and often bespoke, providing innovative solutions in factory equipment, an industry that has extremely stringent quality control standards.

Incorporating Infrared and Bluetooth technology in to their best selling product ranges that are used in bath lifts, stair lifts and even scooters.

Chief executive Phil Burns has assumed majority control of the company after buying out business partner and commercial director Mike Fitzgerald.

Together Mr Burns and Mr Fitzgerald bought the firm in a management buy-in deal in July 2000 and doubled the business in size. Now Mr Burns is ready to take it to the next stage.

Mr Burns said: “It is fantastic being held in such high regard by the world’s electronic manufacturers. We are hugely important in our field and seen as the industry experts in mobility electronics.”

“The UK is widely believed to be the best in electronics and we are at the forefront of that reputation, we are a success story and an inspiration.”

“If you can be successful in a small corner of Yorkshire, you can be successful wherever you are. We boost the local community and employ locally. That policy is key to our success and something we are proud of”

“Looking forward we are working on exciting new technologies not previously explored in our area of electronics. We are on the brink of a brave new world.”

Controlled Speed employs 40 staff, including some of the best design and assembly experts in the world. Having saturated their production capacity at the Brighouse site, they are relocating to a ‘state-of-the-art’, purpose-built 15,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in nearby Batley, in the latter part of the year.

This will expunge any limitations on the business. With Phil Burns now the primary decision maker, the appointment of David Gravells as Chairman, Luke Bigham as Technical Director, Jim Whittaker as NED and their new facilities, the sky really is the limit.

Sonia Alghita, of BTG McInnes, who advised the management on the deal, said: “This business is a Yorkshire success story. The increased production capacity is the catalyst the business needed and once the firm has relocated it will be able to accelerate its growth.

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