PCE Automation, based in Ellough Road, Beccles, expands domestically and overseas thanks to HSBC UK £1.6 million pound funding package

A family-run business has expanded domestically and overseas thanks to a £1.6 million funding package from a bank.

PCE Automation has purchased a new site next to its Ellough Road, Beccles, base which will allow it to double its production capabilities thanks to the money from HSBC UK.

The business, which designs and manufactures bespoke automation solutions for the medical, ocular and pharmaceutical industries, has fitted-out the site with new equipment which has enabled it to hire 13 new staff members since the turn of the year.

It has also been able to acquire Adapt Engineering in Dublin with the aid of the package.

James Cook, CEO of PCE Automation, said: “We have committed to an ambitious growth strategy which has seen our business expand, both locally in Beccles and into Ireland.

“HSBC UK’s support has allowed us to complete our new premises to the highest standard, and means we’re now planning to expand even further into the site behind our current factory.”

The new building has been named the Bryan Cook Engineering Centre in honour of the business’ co-founder.

PCE Automation is anticipating a rise in turnover of 17.7 per cent over the next year thanks to the space increase, with further plans to expands its headquarters in the coming years.

Adapt Engineering specialises in medical device dip coating systems and the acquisition of it allows the business to expand both its medical equipment offering and customer base.

Nicholas Young, HSBC UK’s head of business banking for East Anglia and the South Midlands, said: “We are delighted to have launched this new relationship with PCE Automation, and look forward to supporting the business as it expands its presence in the UK and abroad.”

PCE Automation is a fourth-generation family-run business, first launched in the 1960s as a boat building company.

In 2023, the company won the King’s Award for Enterprise for recognition of its excellence in innovation.