THE COMPANY behind Pembroke Dock project to design and build high-tech robotic drones, which promised to turn the area into a Welsh Silicon Valley, is under investigation after it went into liquidation, owing backers more than £2.5 million.

Just a year ago, aerospace and defence technology experts Torquing Group Ltd gave the first public airing of its Zano flying robot drone at Pembroke Dock’s Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC), amidst great fanfare.

The project, funded through the Kickstarter online funding platform, rapidly gained £2.5million in pledged sales, with more than 12,000 backers.

The £170 Zano flying drone, connected to smartphones, allowing aerial photographs and videos to be taken, yet was intelligent enough to fly all by itself.

At the time of the launch, Head of Marketing Reece Crowther said: “We have a product that has a chance to achieve global market domination.”

It was planned to manufacture the drones in Tredegar, with a later possible production move to Pembrokeshire.

Earlier this year, Ivan Reedman, managing director told members of the county council’s scrutiny committee that monthly production of the drones could be as high as 200,000.

He said the infrastructure involved could lead to the area becoming “like a Silicon Valley”.

However, the company has appeared to collapse amidst a background of missed shipment deadlines and the product apparently not living up to its promises.

In a statement to Kickstart backers, Torquing Group Ltd said: “Following recent events, the board members have considered carefully the technical, commercial and financial viability of the Zano project.

“Having explored all options known to us, and after seeking professional advice, we have made the difficult decision to pursue a creditors liquidation. All creditors will be contacted by an insolvency practitioner next week.

“We are greatly disappointed with the outcome of the Zano project and we would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us during this difficult period, especially our loyal employees whose commitment has exceeded all expectations.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: “Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards officers are making enquiries into the Torquing Group and visited their offices at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, yesterday (November 19) following receipt of complaints about the Zano mini-drone project.

“Their enquiries are continuing.”