A GROWING engineering business focused on the worldwide motor market has expanded its operation in Hull.
Marsden Technologies designs and builds hi-tech chips to improve vehicle performance from its base at Marfleet Environmental Technology Park in Hedon Road.
It tunes premium-brand cars such as Mercedes, Lamborghini and Porsche for customers in Singapore, Russia, Germany, Australia, Malaysia and India, as well as many in the UK.
With the business growing, managing director Mike Marsden felt the time was right to expand.
He said: "As a business we have been going about ten years and we were one of the first to introduce this technology.
"This has helped us hold off the competition from some of those newer to the industry, with our main rivals being in Germany.
"We know it is important for us to continue developing our products to ensure as the motor industry changes and advances, our technology does too. That is why we have expanded our base in Marfleet."
The firm now occupies two suites of offices for research and product development.
Its chips work with any vehicle made after 2003, boosting power and efficiency.
They can improve fuel consumption by between 20 and 25 per cent or modify cars to deliver a different driving experience.
No physical changes need to be made to any of the vehicles.
Instead, the chips alter information sent to the engine, making it perform in a different way and improving how the car handles.
Mr Marsden said: "Generally, people are amazed by the difference our chips make to their cars, and how they completely transform the way they handle.
"They don't affect your warranty and people can make substantial savings with our fuel-efficiency chip."
The firm is now looking at developing a new range of products letting motorists switch their driving mode from a control on their dashboard.
Stoneferry Estates developed the business park on the site of a former Humbrol factory and has leased the offices to Marsden.
Director Tom Healey said: "It is very encouraging to see companies having the confidence to invest and grow their business in what is an exciting time for the city of Hull.
"It is companies like Marsden that will provide the product innovation of the future, which will contribute to the continued success of the local economy."
Mr Healey acknowledged his business took a risk on the park. Work there began in tough economic times when few firms were willing to risk a move.
He said: "We had the confidence to invest in redeveloping this derelict site at the height of the recession and it is wonderful to now see our judgment and confidence in the city of Hull has paid off for the benefit of everyone."
Stoneferry Estates has been redeveloping Hull sites for 20 years.
It has applied for planning permission to create a £25m business park opposite the city factory of German wind turbine giant Siemens, with a decision due from planners by the end of the month.
The developer hopes the complex will employ about 500 workers, with a focus on attracting green supply chain firms.
• Business news for Hull and East Yorkshire
