Allen & Heath of Penryn is among the first businesses to secure a grant from the South West Growth Fund, and is using the £230,695 to create 19 high level research and development (R&D) jobs.

The company, a world-leading designer and manufacturer of audio mixing systems, is transforming its Penryn site to focus on developing new products for the music industry.

With a heritage incorporating Genesis, Pink Floyd and The Who, Allen & Heath products have been used by stars like Adele, Pete Tong, Frank Ocean, Morrissey and Rita Ora, as well as installed in clubs, studios, theatres and houses of worship across the globe.

Allen & Heath is part of Audiotonix, a UK group of pro audio companies, which also comprises the other leading brands, Calrec and DiGiCo. The South West Growth Fund grant has unlocked an additional £800,000 of private investment, enabling the firm to realise its growth aspirations.

With 105 staff currently based at Kernick Industrial Estate, the company is embarking on a nine-month programme to turn its manufacturing building into an R&D space. Over the next three years, the firm will recruit 19 new members of staff to establish a centre of excellence for music technology in the South West.

Managing director, Glenn Rogers, said: “With much of our manufacturing now being outsourced, we needed to invest in R&D to grow the business, and keep our competitive edge. The South West Growth Fund has enabled us to raise enough investment to redevelop our site so we can keep developing products to drive future growth.

“We’re now embarking on a major recruitment drive and are creating high level jobs for talented people, including graduates from the South West’s universities. I’m very happy to see the company expanding and thriving.”

The £8.7million South West Growth Fund was launched last year by Plymouth University’s GAIN team, SWMAS Ltd, South West Water Business Services and the Western Morning News. Worth £1.9million, the first grants will deliver 250 new jobs for the region.

Supported by the Regional Growth Fund, the new fund supports transformational projects in businesses, primarily in manufacturing, marine and digital industries and is set to create 1,000 new jobs.

Through the South West Growth Fund, Allen & Heath can access expert advice from SWMAS Ltd, whose manufacturing specialists are on hand to provide independent technical knowledge and practical training for staff, helping firms make informed investment decisions and then supporting the deployment of new technologies into their production processes. The company will also receive free water and energy audits provided by South West Water Business Services as a continuation of their mission to help regional businesses be more efficient.