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Work starts on new factory at Morlands
20 October 2009
Avalon Plastics has started work on its new purpose-built
factory at Morlands Enterprise Park in Glastonbury.
The injection moulding company employs around 135 people and
construction of the new premises will help safeguard the company's
presence in the town.
The factory is an important milestone for Morlands Enterprise
Park, which is owned by the South West RDA. It is another step
towards creating a successful environment for companies to do
business.
Earlier this year, Priority Sites started work on the first new
buildings at Genesis One - a new development of office, light
industrial and business units. The first phase is now close to
completion and is expected to be ready for occupation towards the
end of the year.
Esther Croft, development manager at the South West RDA, said:
"There is a definite sense of momentum at the site now that we have
two construction projects underway. It's exciting to see many
months of hard work behind the scenes coming to fruition.
"We hope Avalon's move will generate confidence in the
enterprise park and stimulate more enquiries from local
businesses."
The RDA has been working closely with Avalon Plastics to deliver
a building of high design and environmental sustainability
standards. The new factory, which will front onto the A39, will be
built to an 'Excellent' standard under the BREEAM rating - the
leading global environmental assessment method for buildings..
Keith Butler, managing director at Avalon Plastics, said: "This
move safeguards existing jobs while allowing us to expand and
create new ones in the future. Our current premises are simply not
fit for purpose so this is an exciting and important step for the
business. It is essential that the new factory is completed as soon
as possible in order that we can invest in larger, more efficient
machinery and improve the working environment for staff."
Advanced groundworks have started and construction work is
expected to be complete in summer next year.
Avalon's current premises will be demolished in due course to
make way for a new Tesco foodstore, which won approval earlier this
year.
Avalon Plastics was formed five years ago when the assets of the
bankrupt firm IMCO plastics were purchased from the
administrator.
Since then, the company has invested more than £4m in plant and
equipment, more than doubled sales and increased staff numbers by
around 50 per cent.
The company manufactures injection moulded products for a wide
range of blue chip multi-national customers, including Britax child
safety seating, Jeyes fragrance dispensing systems, Orangebox
office furniture and Numatic vacuum cleaners.
Ends
For media enquiries contact Sue Amiel at Spirit Public
Relations.
Tel: 0117 944 1415
Email: samiel@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk
Website: www.spiritpublicrelations.co.uk
Notes for Editors
The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic
recovery.