A LEADING technology business has expanded as it moves to Hereford's revamped shell store.

Visicon, which provides machine vision, collaborative robot and industrial ID systems, will also be supporting the county's food and drink sector as part of its growth plans.

The firm has moved to the business incubation centre on Skylon Park, Hereford Enterprise Zone, as it looks to meet rising demand for its services.

The centre is at the old Rotherwas munitions factory, which was given a £7.3 million refurb, and aims to help growing firms.

Founded by control system specialist Peter Jelf, the firm works with customers looking to increase production efficiency and reduce costs.

Supporting a number of sectors, including the food and drink, packaging, healthcare and manufacturing industries, Visicon is also looking at creating new jobs.

Mr Jelf said: "We've been looking to move to bigger premises over the past year, as many of the projects we're now working on are simply too big for our current set-up.

"We have been able to secure a Revive and Thrive grant from Herefordshire Council, which is specifically for businesses looking to move to commercial premises in the region.

"We thoroughly enjoy working with local companies to help them make the next step in their own production or manufacturing facilities.

"Many of the organisations we work with don't realise just what the possibilities are when it comes to machine vision and robotics, thinking this type of technology is only available for large blue-chip companies."

Mark Pearce, managing director of the Hereford Enterprise Zone, said that The Shell Store provided an opportunity for businesses to lay the foundations for future success.

"The Shell Store provides a unique employment space for dynamic and innovative businesses like Visicon and we're excited to see the team grow and develop in their new home.

"With space filling up fast, we'd urge any other ambitious, growing companies to arrange a visit to the Shell Store to see the fantastic facilities for themselves.

"Alongside purpose-built units that are suitable for start-ups and grow on space, a number of offices are available in the 2,500 sqm. building. The Shell Store is also home to the Marches Growth Hub, meaning there is business support available right on site alongside conference and meeting facilities and soon to be opened café."