Updated: LASER measurement technology manufacturer and distributor, Measurement Devices Ltd (MDL), is to employ more than 50 new staff after expanding.

The business, which currently employs 63 people, said it hoped to employ 120 people by 2014 after buying the premises next to its headquarters at Acer House on Northminster Business Park, York for £3 million.

MDL, which develops, manufactures and supplies measurement technology to world markets, which include quarrying, civil engineering, mining, mapping, marine and automotive sectors, has increased global sales by 60 per cent in the last year.

In August 2010 the business sold a 29 per cent stake to £180 million-turnover manufacturer Renishaw for £2.3 million. Renishaw will continue to acquire the remaining shares over the next few years and the backing is enabling the business to invest.

The business’s expansion this year has included launching a miniature laser module which could be integrated into mobile phones or other technology, setting up a new Technical Services Division to provide 3D laser measurement and consultancy services for specific projects. It has also acquired a technical and distribution facility in Canada in a multi-million pound deal. The business now has offices in Scotland, China, Australia, the US and Canada.

MDL, which was founded in Scotland in 1983, opened its first Yorkshire office at Castle Howard in 1999 before moving to Northminster Business Park in 2005 and upgrading to the 6,000 sq ft Acer House in 2006. It will move into the new two-storey, 20,000 sq ft Redwood House in December.

Elaine Ball, managing director, said: “The global market for increasing safety in harsh environments by using laser measurement technology is growing rapidly and MDL expects to have 120 staff at York and to have tripled its turnover by 2014.

“Redwood House will become the base for our production, service and R&D departments and be a clean industrial site with laboratories and special range-testing facilities for our products.”