A Stoke-on-Trent cleaning product firm has branched out to manufacture fizzy tablets for new markets including plant feed.
Future Developments, based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, have invested £250,000 in machinery and a new building to manufacture the product, with an extra five jobs created.
The environmentally-friendly effervescent tablets, which work with water to take effect, have been developed with researchers at Keele University.
The new business venture has been backed by a low-cost £60,000 loan from the Michelin Development programme.
Future Developments’ tablets, which have multiple other uses including screen wash and appliance de-scaling, significantly reduce packaging waste.
They use fewer transportation resources, as well as needing less storage and shelf space for distributors and retailers.
Dave Williams, Managing Director of Future Developments, said: “We’ve done a great deal of work on the research and development of the tablet products with support from Keele University, and they suggested we approach Michelin Development to take our plans forward.
“With Michelin Development’s support, we’ve being able to build a new tablet-manufacturing plant, which will enable us to meet stringent quality controls, and ramp up production to meet demand.
“We’ve always focused on sustainability, including operating a comprehensive bottle-filling service for our products.
“Now, with the tablet system in production, we can achieve even greater efficiencies and develop products for new and emerging markets.”
Carol Hopkins, Michelin Development Co-ordinator, said: “Future Developments is supporting new manufacturing techniques, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
“It is delivering new products and processes to reach new markets, creating new jobs and supporting a more sustainable approach.”
