A thriving family-run business is marking a new chapter - as it expands its headquarters in Suffolk.

Fourth generation family business PCE Automation, based at Beccles, has expanded its Ellough Road headquarters and acquired a business in Ireland following support from HSBC.

The firm, that specialises as a designer and manufacturer of bespoke automation solutions, has used a £1.6million funding package from HSBC to support the purchase and renovation of an additional premises in Beccles.

The company - which began as a luxury boat builder in the 1960s before moving into automation - has now unveiled a new site, named the Bryan Cook Engineering Centre, which is next door to its original units.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: PCE Automation, a Suffolk-based family-run automation solutions business, has expanded its headquarters in Beccles. Picture: PCE AutomationPCE Automation, a Suffolk-based family-run automation solutions business, has expanded its headquarters in Beccles. Picture: PCE Automation (Image: PCE Automation)

The funding has supported fitting-out the site with new equipment and has enabled the business to take on 13 new recruits since the start of the year - with its overall production footprint now increased by more than 50 per cent.

The additional space allows the business to double the number of projects it can work on - with an anticipated rise in turnover of up to 17.7pc over the next 12 months.

PCE Automation has also used the funding package to acquire Adapt Engineering in Dublin, allowing PCE to expand its medical equipment offering and its customer base into the Republic of Ireland.

With HSBC also providing a £750,000 overdraft for the business to fund working capital to purchase raw materials and machinery up front, James Cook, CEO at 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."

Nicholas Young, Head of Business Banking East Anglia and South Midlands at HSBC UK, added: "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."