Shropshire render maker eyeing growth
An expanding manufacturer in south Shropshire has landed one of the construction industry's top endorsements – allowing the firm to eye new growth and additional jobs.
Specialist mortar and plaster manufacturer Lime Green, which is based at Coates Kiln in Much Wenlock, has landed approval from construction industry body the British Board of Agrement for its innovative lime-render insulation system, Warmshell.
The company, which turns over approximately £1.2 million a year but is seeing growth running at around 30 per cent this year, has invested around £100,000 in development of the product.
It is now the only product of its kind to hold approval from the BBA, which is awarded after rigorous testing.
Simon Ayres, Lime Green's managing director, said he was delighted with the accreditation.
"After so many years spent on research and development, BBA approval is industry-wide recognition that Warmshell has a major role to play in helping many more homes in Britain become more energy efficient and comfortable to live in," he said.
"The BBA approval shows real market confidence in Warmshell as a product, something that will enable us to grow as a company and create more jobs in the local economy."
To meet growing demand for it's environmentally friendly products, Lime Green has secured planning permission for the development of it's current site to provide significantly greater manufacturing capacity and warehousing together with new offices.
The new factory will increase production from 3,000 to more than 20,000 tonnes per year.
The first phase of expansion has already been completed, with a new warehouse and site infrastructure which were finalised in late 2014.
Increased turnover and profit will allow for extra office staff to be taken on, and give the two directors more time to concentrate on new product development.
The new plant will be cleaner and health and safety considerations will be greatly improved.
Lime Green currently employs seven staff, but expects to see that figure grow in the coming months.
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne presented the company with its BBA accreditation at the company's headquarters, where the remains of a lime kiln remain but where lime has been produced for hundreds of years.
He added: "This is exactly the kind of growing small business, which is taking on staff to help its expansion off the back of innovative product."
