ONE of the Huddersfield’s biggest companies has been given a £2m funding boost by the government.

David Brown yesterday secured the money from the Regional Growth Fund.

It will go towards the development of a world-class wind gearbox research and development (R&D) innovation centre in the town.

The wind gearbox R&D centre will enable the company to develop and test new gearing technology for the wind industry.

It is also aimed at helping the company utilise its experience and expertise in other high integrity industries, such as mining, conventional power, oil and gas, rail and defence.

Ian Farquhar, managing director of the wind technology at David Brown, said: “David Brown has a clear growth strategy, developed around expanding in key global markets including renewable industries such as wind and solar.

“We are delighted to have been awarded a Regional Growth Fund for our development.

“We have worked very closely with the University of Huddersfield, the economic development team at Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and Kirklees Council to ensure that the centre will drive engineering innovation in Yorkshire and develop relevant, long-standing intellectual property alongside the delivery of academic support.”

The wind gearbox R&D centre will be able to analyse wind gearbox performance and develop unique upgrade packages to support global customers during the life cycle of their wind farms.

Research of this kind will enable the development of operations and maintenance techniques for both on and offshore wind turbines as well as promote growth and expansion of the UK’s wind energy supply chain.

The funding is part of the Government’s plan to invest £450 million in businesses across England. They say it will safeguard 100,000 jobs.