Maxell waves farewell to landmark factory and moves to new Telford base

The company, which previously specialised in video and audio tape and batteries, has spent the last 10 years shifting its operations into new areas of the plastics industry.

In that time, it has reduced its staff from around 220 to 70 now, and remodelled its operations at the well-known Apley base into which it moved during the 1980s.

Now, the £5 million-turnover Telford operation is to relocate to the Hortonwood Industrial Estate, making parts for the automotive, medical and healthcare sectors.

Ian Jamieson, European HR manager at Maxell, said: "It is certainly a major business and logistical challenge to move an operation like ours, lock stock and barrel from one site to another.

"We undertook a strategic business review which concluded that it was in the best interests of the company to move sites, we have spent the last two years looking and assessing various potential sites before reaching this decision.

"A major consideration was we always wanted to stay in Telford to retain our skilled and loyal workforce, we are delighted to be able to do this and get on with the project, the future looks positive for Maxell in Telford."

The company sold and leased back its Apley site in 2009 as part of the restructure of the business which began the year before, but has continued operating throughout that time.

"Operations have continued to this date on the Apley site," Mr Jamieson added.

"Now the company is investing in an exciting move to premises on Hortonwood, Telford, which involves a significant large investment by the Maxell board.

"This shows our future commitment to maintaining jobs and investment in our Telford operation."

The company has been supported in the move to Hortonwood 35, where it will occupy a large unit previously run by component manufacturer Inabata which has moved elsewhere, by county law firm Lanyon Bowdler.

Commercial property specialist Praveen Chaudhari said helping to keep jobs in Shropshire was a key aim of the project.

"Maxell were keen to move sites for a variety of commercial reasons, and they very much wanted to stay in the same area," he said.

"We have worked extensively with the team to negotiate a lease on the new site which is beneficial for all parties.

"Although there is a tendency to think that Telford is awash with commercial property, it's still quite a challenge to find the right place for a business."

Maxell was launched in the 1960s, and has had a base in Telford for around 30 years. The new factory is currently undergoing a transformation, and the company hopes to be able to move in by Christmas.

Test work is being carried out at Hortonwood ahead of the move, with operations continuing at Apley.

Plans for more than 500 homes on the Apley site have been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council by its current owners.