ONE of Malvern's unsung heroes in the business world, primarily because its markets are not local, is celebrating its 40th birthday this year.

Sparc Systems Ltd, which has a wide range of both national and international customers, designs and produces world-class counting, X-ray and quality Inspection equipment.

Started in 1974 in a Malvern garage, it quickly expanded and moved to a converted flour store in Charles Street in Worcester. As business grew it relocated back to Malvern to a converted dairy in Poolbrook before finally moving to a purpose-built modern building in 1996 on Merebrook Business Park in Hanley Road.

Founder Ken Shail said: "We are not well known locally because our markets are not local. However we have been employing from the Malvern and surrounding areas for 40 years without a break. There have been some challenges along the way but we have managed to survive, thrive and grow. Our current range of products have earned wide acceptance and are being employed by customers all over the world. Our highly skilled team has been supportive and enthusiastic in our efforts to build a world class organization.”

The company has a diverse portfolio of international customers, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

"We maintain a highly skilled workforce and are proud that many of the employees have been with us for decades," Mr Shail added. "Indeed some that joined in the first year are still with the company. We are also investing in the future of the Malvern area by operating an apprenticeship scheme. Disciplines range from electrical and electronic design, mechanical design and software, as well as production engineering."

Although the founder and current chairman, he stepped down from the day-to-day running of the company after a management buyout in 2009, but is still actively involved in Sparc’s product development.

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