A major milestone has been hit in multi-million-pound plans to create a new specialist manufacturing facility and up to 100 highly skilled jobs in Stoke-on-Trent.
Engineering firm Goodwin International has been granted planning permission to build two new production units on land adjacent to Newstead Industrial Estate, where it has been based for more than 60 years.
The engineering firm has said that staying close to its headquarters was key for this development and the approval of the plans will help ensure its long-term presence in the area.
Speaking to Daily Focus, the firm’s General Manager and Director Paul Root has said the new units – totalling 19,435 sqm of manufacturing floorspace – will mainly be used for CNC machining and will be home to 24 new CNC machines.
While the scheme is still subject to contracts being confirmed with customers and the land being acquired from Severn Trent, is it hoped to get the facility up and running within the next three to four years.
Paul said: “The two new buildings, which we have called units five and six, will complement the existing floorspace we have already got and will be within walking distance of our existing facilities.
“The need comes on the back of increasing demand for our work making components for the nuclear sector and nuclear decommissioning.
“It will increase our manufacturing floor space by over 18,000 sqm and subject to expected contracts being awarded will generate up to 100 high skilled engineering jobs.”
The project will form an extension to the current trading estate near Trentham and will be on a site currently sitting as an undeveloped area of grassland.
Access will be extended from the existing industrial estate roads to the west and north of the site.
Planning permission was passed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s planning committee yesterday.
The plans also include 260 new car parking spaces and associated landscaping and infrastructure.
Goodwin International dates back to 1883, is part of the Hanley-based Goodwin Group and employs 340 staff.
It expects the new facilities will create between 80 and 100 new highly skilled jobs such as CNC machining, inspection and mechanical fitting.
The company hopes to train most of the new people taking up the new roles through its apprentice scheme.
Paul added: “The Goodwin Group is also growing in the city with a lot of investment going on.
“With Goodwin International being the largest company in the group, this is going to transform the whole group.”
The plans received ‘strong support’ from Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
CEO Rachel Laver wrote in a letter as part of the planning process: “We believe this proposal is a significant opportunity for our city, providing high-value employment and reinforcing our position as a hub for advanced manufacturing.”
- Goodwin International has a limited number of spaces for apprentices starting in September. For more information, or to apply, click here.
