24nd July 2006
Beran's Global Success Story

Sophisticated technology that plays a vital role in international industry globally is developed and distributed from Beran Instruments on the Hatchmoor Industrial Estate in Torrington, Devon.

The company, which designs and manufactures a range of condition monitoring and calibration systems for the utility, aerospace and automotive industries, has enjoyed global success, supported by funding from SWIG since 1998.

Total investment in the company, which has recently received approval for a further loan from SWIG, has so far reached £150,000.

The funding has helped Beran to achieve a turnover of £5million-plus, take on extra staff, and invest in new equipment to further develop its sophisticated range of products.

Beran’s Condition monitoring systems for rotating machinery are now used by numerous world-wide power generation giants including coal, oil, gas-fired, nuclear and hydro.

Transducer calibration systems are in service with a host of European and USA aerospace, automotive and power-generation companies, and Beran’s unique frequency response analysers are employed in the verification of aircraft and missile control systems.

Beran’s managing director, Andy Lobato, says gap-funding from SWIG has been vital in enabling his company to research and exploit fresh markets, develop new products, build its international network of agents, and increase turnover and staff numbers.

He says: “Since our formation in 1984 three fundamental goals have dominated our direction – exceptional quality, innovation and service.

“By having faith in us and demonstrating that faith by advancing funds when they were most required, SWIG has helped us to achieve those goals and to reap the rewards in enhanced reputation, profit and growth.

“The support we have received from SWIG on an ongoing basis has been a fundamental part of our success. Through hard work, good people and essential funding we have been able to produce a company that is working in a truly global marketplace,” said Mr Lobato.

SWIG’s managing director, Peter Casey, says he was impressed from the very beginning by Beran’s clear-cut business philosophy.

“It has made its mark in the world in a very effective manner”, he adds, “and is another SME success story of which the South West region can be very proud.”