Allied Textiles finds way to reinvest in Rossendale

03 May '10

3 min read

Forty new jobs will be created in Rossendale when Allied Textiles relocates its direct coating business to the company's site in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall.

This will involve the relocation of two existing operations - Coating Applications Group, which currently operates from a site in Huncoat and IQ Textiles, situated in Prestonpans (just outside Edinburgh).

The move represents a substantial investment, designed to create a market leading direct coating business.

Direct coated textiles are supplied for a diverse range of technical and industrial end uses - including hot air balloons, bouncy castles and drain linings.

The Rawtenstall site has a longstanding tradition of textile production - until March it traded as "JB Broadley", a business which was forced to close following the loss of its longstanding business of air bag coating.

Commenting on the move, Allied Textile's Chief Executive, Stewart McGuffie, said:

"We are delighted to have found a way to reinvest in the Rawtenstall site. As a result of the IQ acquisition in late 2009. we have taken a long look at our coating operations and concluded that a consolidated operation on one site would create a market leading business able to capitalise on longer term growth options.

We will be using around half the site, utilising the more modern and efficient parts of the installation. As well as investing heavily in the move, we are also taking the opportunity to invest in upgrading our capability where appropriate.

We will be looking to redevelop the other parts of the site - and we are particularly grateful for Rossendale Council's support in this process.

This part of Lancashire has a long tradition of textile production and we are delighted to be able to help this to continue".

Helen Lockwood, Chief Executive at Rossendale Council said: "Forty new jobs in Rossendale will be a major boost for the local economy. We are delighted to welcome the relocation of IQ Textiles from Edinburgh and Coating Applications from Huncoat as part of a consolidation strategy. With Allied Textiles' aim of becoming a market-leading direct coating business, hopefully this will make jobs safe in Rawtenstall for many years to come.

The Council's Regeneration Team has played a key part in encouraging Allied Textiles to consolidate their coating business in Rawtenstall, putting them in touch with Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and discussing various business grants and planning options for the Burnley Road site.

This proves that Pennine Lancashire is a great place for businesses to invest, grow and develop. We have a skilled and flexible workforce and great access to the motorway network and major markets in the North West, Yorkshire and further afield."

Steve Hoyle, Executive Director for Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, added: "This is a most welcome investment for the area. Advanced manufacturing is one of therecognised strengths of Pennine Lancashire. The announcement is a reflection of the ongoing success in finding innovative ways to apply local manufacturing skills and expertise. We welcome this news and want to build on this investment to help Allied Textiles to remain at the forefront of the textiles coating sector."

The consolidated operation will be in full production by August 2010. Initially the business will employ around 40 people, a number which would be expected to grow as growth options are realised.

Allied Textiles Ltd is made up of six companies specialising in different areas of synthetic fibre production. This gives each company the freedom to focus purely on what they do best as experts in their respective fields.

Allied Textiles Ltd

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