Cabinet has given their approval to fund the development of a new 2,100 sqm production, research and design facility at Edginswell Business Park.

Funded through the councils Growth Fund, once developed the site will see BOWA MEDICAL UK relocate from their existing site on the edge of Dartmoor to Torbay.

BOWA MEDICAL UK are a leading innovator of ultrasonic products for medical applications with an extensive design, development and manufacturing operation exporting to markets all over the world.

Subject to planning permission being granted, the new purpose-built facility will allow BOWA MEDICAL UK to bring all of their current functions under one roof.

The purpose-built facility will house research and development, engineering, production and distribution functions alongside a state-of-the-art training facility which will see surgeons and health care professionals from around the globe visiting Torbay.

The innovative and award-winning company currently employs 60 people across multiple functions including HR, finance, customer service, sales and marketing, engineering, production, quality and regulatory affairs. Following the move new employment opportunities will be available including apprenticeships through South Devon College.

Edginswell Business Park is becoming one of Torbay’s high-profile locations, which is well served by the South Devon Highway and will be complemented by a new railway station in 2024.

The move is a further boost for Torbay’s growing med-tech sector and would build upon the successful delivery of the Electronics and Photonics Production Park at Torbay Business Park in Paignton. It is envisaged this development will generate around £18m of potential economic growth to the local economy over a 10-year period.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said; “We are delighted that BOWA MEDICAL UK have decided to relocate to Edginswell Business Park.

“By investing in the development of this facility we are unlocking further economic growth and supporting the creation of a number of high value jobs. This opportunity supports business growth and is in line with our Economic Repositioning Plan as Torbay looks to accelerate economic recovery following the pandemic. As a council we are committed to unlocking further sites that will attract further inward investment as well as enabling growth of businesses locally.”

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “This decision is the latest in a number of recent positive moves to grow and strengthen Torbay’s economy. BOWA MEDICAL UK are a fantastic edition to Torbay’s growing tech-sector, which has an internationally competitive reputation. The link with South Devon College means apprenticeships will be available to support those who want to access this sector as well as opportunities BOWA MEDICAL UK will bring.”

Chris Graham, Engineering and Operations Director, BOWA MEDICAL UK, said; “As we continue to grow the UK subsidiary of BOWA MEDICAL we are excited about the possibility of moving to a prestigious site such as Edginswell, enabling us to retain our roots in the South West and helping to raise the profile of the med-tech sector in the region.”

Planning permissions has been obtained to deliver essential infrastructure works to ensure the site is ready for development and works are due to start this month.

In May 2021 it was announced that Wickes will also be coming to the side with works expected to commence in the spring of 2022.